Britons asked to come, invest in RP

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga — Despite his government’s warning against travel to Mindanao, British Ambassador Paul Dimond is encouraging his countrymen to come to the Philippines and pour investments here.

Dimond said it was normal for the British government to issue a travel advisory for its nationals who intend to visit countries with a "history of terrorism and violent crimes." But he said Britons are not discouraged from visiting the Philippines.

"Generally, there is terrorism throughout (the Southeast Asian) region. Since the tragic incident in Bali (in Indonesia), we should be aware of terrorism," he said.

During a visit to the Clark and Subic special economic zones, Dimond said about 20,000 Britons come to the Philippines yearly as tourists or to do business and that 4,000 more are living in the country, 900 of them in Pampanga.

"I was encouraged by what I’ve seen," he said, referring to his talks with officials of the Clark and Subic special economic zones, Pampanga Gov. Lito Lapid and Angeles City Vice Mayor Vic Zalamea.

"It was an educational visit and I will report back to London to relay my positive impressions," Dimond added.

Dimond said British investments in the Philippines had been increasing and could now be worth some $4 billion.

"The world economy is fragile right now, arising from global recession in the last couple of years, plus the market nervousness due to the Middle East situation, but we will recover," he said.

"(There are) very real opportunities for investments here, particularly at the Clark special economic zone where (business) arrangements are very attractive," Dimond said.

He said he would encourage British businessmen to invest in agri-business, information technology and retail trade in the Philippines.

Diamond assumed the post of ambassador in April last year.