UK envoys eyes more trade with Bulacan

British Ambassador to the Philippines Stephen Lillie holds a token from the provicial government of Bulacan led by Gov. Willy Alvarado (second from left). They were joined by officers of the Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (right).

MALOLOS CITY—British Ambassador to the Philippine Stephen Lillie is looking forward for increase trade and economic relations with Bulacan.

This came as global businessmen predicted that economic opportunity and potentials of the 21^st century is in South East Asia, particularly in the Philippines.

“We look forward to strengthen our relations in with South East Asian countries, particularly the Philippines, and increase trade and economic relations in Bulacan,” Lillie said in a recent visit here.

The ambassador said that one of the areas that they are looking into is in the development of renewable energy.

He said, the country is a global leader in geothermal energy and has potentials for wind and biomas energy developments;  while Bulacan is one of the leading provinces in the country as far as hydropower generation is concern.

This is due to 246 megawatt Angat River Hydro Electric Power Plant (Arhepp) located in Norzagaray town.

“Bulacan has so much potentials and opportunities in renewable energy development. With more opportunities, I believe more British companies will come here,” he said.

Lillie said that British businessmen are looking for more opportunity renewable energy development.

“Its part of our plant to be less reliant on oil and gas and to have energy security,” the ambassador said.

He added that renewable energy is not only environment friendly, but a step towards combating impacts of climate change.

He cited the aftermath of typhoons Pedring and Quiel in the province last year nnotinf that climate change is increasing probability of similar severe weather conditions in the world.

Meanwhile, Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado welcomed Lillie’s move to foster stronger relations with Bulacan

He said that British businessmen are welcome in the province noting that there are few that has already established business in Bulacan.

Alvarado also said that closer relations with Britain will give opportunity for Bulakenyos to join cultural exchange program in the future.

At present, at least nine British students has been undergoing community immersion in Hagonoy town facilitated through the Global Exchange program.

More British students are expected to arrive in April in the City of San Jose del Monte under the British Global citizen program.