*These two countries share common interests and values, she says during her visit to Ilocos Norte
LAOAG CITY, June 16 (PIA) — British ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beufils has seen some areas of collaboration with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte.
Earlier, the lady Briton diplomat had paid a courtesy call on President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (BBM) in Metro Manila.
During her visit to Ilocos Norte on June 14 and 15, the British diplomat met with several provincial government officials here under Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc and some stakeholders.
“I’m here to discuss a few priorities that you would expect from the British government,” she told media men in a hybrid press conference organized by the Philippine Information Agency on Wednesday.
One of the highlighted possible areas of cooperation includes trade and business, particularly in the field of renewable energy.
“Trade is a priority for us. I know it is also for the government of Ilocos Norte. The team has presented a really strong investment plan and said what are the sectors where the provincial government is seeking a combination of investments and increased trade, and this is something that we are looking at,” Beaufils said.
She added, “With a particular focus and interest in renewable energy and green infrastructure, we are hoping to partner with some of the firms that are working here locally.”
The ambassador also said the United Kingdom (UK) has investors interested in renewable energy and has companies that are working in different aspects of the renewable energy supply chain.
Further, she encouraged students to take advantage of fully-funded scholarships being offered by their government.
The lady ambassador stated that last year they sent 32 Filipino scholars to study in the top UK universities, including the London School of Economics, Oxford University, and Manchester University, among others.
“I really encourage all Ilocanos to think about the Chevening Scholarship and consider studying in some of the best universities in the UK,” she said.
Meanwhile, Madame Beaufils informed that she earlier paid a courtesy call on Ilocos Norte’s pride, President-elect Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. prior to her visit to this province.
“We covered a wide variety of things and I’m really impressed by the level of knowledge that he has. I think he’s really committed to doing the right thing for this country and maximizing the impact of his administration,” she said.
Overall, she is optimistic that relations between the Philippines and UK will further improve under the incoming Marcos administration.
“I think there’s a lot that we can do together. We share a lot of our interests and our values, I think we have a lot in common as two countries. I think the sky is the limit in terms of what we can do together,” she said. (Joanne Namnama Dilim/PIA La Union)
