THE British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) recently held its midyear economic briefing, titled "Beyond the halfway point: Economic strategies for continued success," at Marquis Events Place, BGC, Taguig, on July 23, 2024.

The event was in collaboration with major sponsor, SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV & Co.), and minor sponsor, the Development Bank of the Philippines.

The event featured keynote addresses and a panel discussion, exploring the country's infrastructure potential and challenges.

The dialogue was spearheaded by keynote addresses from the Department of Finance Assistant Secretary of the International Financial Group (IFG) Neil Adrian Cabiles and Stratbase Group Chief Operating Officer Rupert Manhit.

The panel discussion was participated by National Economic and Development Authority's Investment Programming Group Undersecretary Joseph Capuno and Undersecretary and Executive Director Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines Ma. Cynthia Hernandez, moderated by Aaron Escartin of SGV & Co.

Cabiles noted that a promising program to organize and expand the country's infrastructure could induce investment opportunities.

Cabiles also stressed that modernization of the economy would require a boost in the country's digitalization efforts.

BCCP Executive Director/Trustee Chris Nelson said in a recent interview: "We are constantly advocating for British companies to invest in trade and do business in the Philippines. The Philippines has great advantages that can be backed up by legislation. Ease of doing business and the work done by ARTA (Anti-Red Tape Authority) is very important; this has been a constant message, particularly for small- to medium-size companies."