Joint Statement on UK-Philippines Joint Economic and Trade Committee
The UK and Philippines concluded the second Joint Economic and Trade Committee meeting, agreeing to expand cooperation in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and trade facilitation through a refreshed work programme.
The United Kingdom and the Philippines concluded the second Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) Ministerial Meeting in Metro Manila on 22 September 2026, co-chaired by UK Minister of State for Trade Anas Sarwar and Philippines Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty. The meeting endorsed a refreshed programme of work focused on agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and economic development, with plans to advance cooperation in grid modernisation, civil nuclear energy, trade digitalisation, and space over the next 12-18 months.
Minister Sarwar and Undersecretary Gepty highlighted strengthened collaboration between the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture and the UK’s DEFRA, including capacity building on precision breeding, anti-microbial resistance, fisheries, and food safety. They agreed to formalise a Memorandum of Understanding on Agriculture Trade and Cooperation, consolidating initiatives and expanding cooperation to aquaculture, biotechnology, animal and plant health, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Energy cooperation featured prominently, with both sides recognising the need to address energy security and supply challenges. They welcomed UK support for offshore wind regulation and policy development in the Philippines, as well as scoping areas for civil nuclear energy cooperation, including radioactive waste management. The meeting also noted progress on grid modernisation initiatives, including smart grids and microgrids.
The UK and Philippines acknowledged the completion of the Financing Framework, to be signed on 23 September 2026, enabling UK Export Finance (UKEF) support for priority Philippine infrastructure projects. They also recognised progress on technical assistance projects under the Growth and Investment Partnerships Framework and discussed the Philippines’ interest in renegotiating the Double Taxation Agreement with the UK.