Liam Fox, British secretary of State for International Trade, met with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on April 3 at the Music Room of Malacanang.
Palace sources said the Chief Executive seemed to be cozying up to the British Trade Secretary, as the former even had to move other scheduled meetings later in the day for more time to discuss bilateral trade and investments with the visiting trade envoy.
Mr. Fox’s meeting is deemed very significant, following the Brexit vote, which marked the start of the UK government’s withdrawal from the European Union.
“Global Britain is open for business and we are working to raise the commercial profile of the UK in the Philippines. We welcome the recent investments made by major Philippine investors and encourage more investors to take advantage of opportunities in the UK,” Mr. Fox said.
Trade and Investment between the Philippines and UK is strong and growing with UK exports of goods and services to the Philippines at 628 million euro in 2015.
No less than UK Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Anwar Ahmad and Director for International Trade Mike Moon of the British Embassy in Manila accompanied Secretary Fox to the Palace.
