Philippine Officials Embark on UK Visit to Explore Green Infrastructure Collaboration

In a significant stride towards fostering green infrastructure development, a delegation of twenty officials from the Philippines embarked on an Infrastructure Financing Study Visit to London, UK, from January 30 to February 2. Organized by the British Embassy Manila, the visit aimed to connect Philippine infrastructure initiatives with UK financing and technical expertise, particularly focusing on the Philippines' ambitious £128 billion 'Build Better More' Infrastructure Agenda.

During their stay, the Philippine delegation, representing 11 government agencies, engaged in deep-dive discussions and site visits, including notable locations such as the Silvertown Tunnel and the Elizabeth Line rail route. These engagements offered a platform for sharing expertise and exploring UK's best practices in infrastructure project appraisal and delivery. Highlights of the visit included a learning session with the UK’s Infrastructure Projects Authority and case study presentations by Transport for London and Crossrail International, providing insights into the UK's approach to developing commercially viable projects that meet international standards.

British Ambassador to the Philippines, Laure Beaufils, emphasized the shared commitment of both countries to sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development. This collaboration is seen as a pathway to creating infrastructure that addresses both current and future needs of the Philippines, leveraging private sector investment through shared expertise.

Furthermore, discussions are underway between the two nations to finalize a government-to-government arrangement. This agreement will enable the Philippines to access GBP4 billion in export credit financing from the UK, marking a critical step in mobilizing finance for priority projects and programs in the Philippines.

The visit not only showcased the Philippines' priority infrastructure projects but also laid the foundation for future collaborations. It highlighted the UK's role in providing valuable knowledge and technical assistance in infrastructure development, setting the stage for a partnership that promises to enhance the quality and resilience of Philippine infrastructure projects.

This collaborative effort underscores a mutual dedication to a resilient future and the strengthening of bilateral ties through shared goals in infrastructure development, with both nations eager to continue their partnership towards achieving sustainable growth and development.