The successful conduct of the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) could further strengthen investor confidence and drive economic growth in the region, according to the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP).
For the British Chamber of Commerce Philippines, the election represents an important step toward strengthening stability, livelihood opportunities, and the investment environment in BARMM, with potential opportunities for British companies in areas including agribusiness, renewable energy, technology, infrastructure, and other emerging sectors.
BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson said the success of the electoral process could help create greater confidence among investors.
“We hope the elections go as safe and secure as they can. And I think this will drive investments because livelihood and economic growth is key to the whole going forward, not just for Bangsamoro, but also for the whole Philippines,” Nelson said.
BARMM has been recording increased investment activity. As of April 30, 2026, investments in the region had reached ₱5.1 billion, according to figures cited in a recent report, reflecting continued investor interest in the region.
Nelson also pointed to the presence of UK-registered energy company Sunda Energy, formerly known as Baron Oil Plc, which holds exploration service contracts covering areas in the Sulu Sea.
He said sectors such as renewable energy and agribusiness could offer further opportunities as the region’s economy develops.
“I think renewable energy is going to be a key. Energy is a key demand in the Philippines and a key requirement. And let’s not forget that it can be 100% owned by foreign investors. I think agriculture and agribusiness is going to be also essential, feeding the growing population, and food security,” Nelson said.
The BCCP has also sought to promote business opportunities outside Metro Manila. In 2017, it organized a trade and investment mission in Davao City covering sectors including agribusiness, infrastructure, technology, banking and finance, and energy.
Nelson said the Philippines also needs to continue diversifying its trading and investment relationships amid a challenging global economic environment.
“Let’s not forget the Philippines is a consumer driven economy,” he said, while pointing to the country’s ongoing efforts to expand its trade relationships, including its bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The Philippines entered preparatory discussions on possible CPTPP accession in June 2026, alongside Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. The UK, which joined the trade bloc in 2024, has backed the Philippines’ participation in the process.
Nelson also stressed the importance of passing key legislation and further opening the Philippine market to foreign investment, noting that the country is competing with other Southeast Asian economies for international capital.
His comments come amid weaker foreign direct investment flows into the Philippines. Net FDI inflows fell to a more than decade-low of US$210 million in May 2026, while inflows for the first five months of the year declined 33.4 percent year-on-year to US$2.18 billion.
Against this backdrop, the BCCP sees continued opportunities for British businesses in the Philippines, particularly as regional economic development, trade diversification, and investment reforms move forward.
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