UK firms keen on Philippine telco, broadcast sectors

MANILA, Philippines - Eleven British companies engaged in the telecommunications and broadcast sector are interested in business opportunities in the Philippines.

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) director for Manila Iain Mansfield told reporters during the networking reception for the UK telecoms and broadcast mission some of the visiting companies are looking to set up offices in the country, while others are interested to sell equipment to major telco players or business process outsourcing (BPO) firms.

There are also companies part of the mission keen on selling British content to local broadcast firms such as ABS-CBN Corp. and GMA Network Inc.

Mansfield said no deals have been forged by the visiting firms with local companies so far, but the UKTI is hopeful agreements would be made in the future.

According to Mansfield, now is a good time to explore opportunities in the telecommunications and broadcast sector in the Philippines.

“In particular, the BPO sector has shown remarkable growth and you look at broadband, broadband is still quite expensive here compared to some other countries and maybe not always as reliable. For the BPO sector, you need top quality, affordable broadband and anything you can do to make connections better, more reliable and cheaper really helps companies” Mansfield said.

The trade mission was organized to strengthen the presence of UK firms both in the telecommunications and broadcast sector.

The trade mission also forms part of activities being conducted by the UK Embassy to have deeper trade and investment relations with the Philippines.

Earlier, the UK Embassy organized an infrastructure roadshow in Hong Kong which was also participated by Philippine companies engaged in projects covering airports, energy and water treatment.