Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo delivers the keynote remarks during the Sizzling Southeast Asia Road Show at the University of Warwick, Coventry. Photo by Kristine Salle

15 October 2018 LONDON—Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo discussed the relevance of ASEAN to the United Kingdom during the UK-ASEAN Business Council (UKABC) Sizzling Southeast Asia Roadshow at the University of Warwick, Coventry, on 10 October. The roadshow aims to raise awareness of ASEAN to areas beyond London as a way to ignite interest among British investors in the region.

Ambassador Lagdameo, who currently sits as the chair of the ASEAN London Committee (ALC), cited ASEAN’s growth potential, the ASEAN Economic Community, and the UK’s longstanding economic ties with various ASEAN member states as reasons why British businessmen and investors should look East for future prospects in trade and investment.

“The prospects and potential in ASEAN simply cannot be ignored,” said Ambassador Lagdameo. “Many multinational companies are expanding in ASEAN, attracted by the region’s market potential.”

The Ambassador cited current moves by ASEAN countries such as the Philippines to ramp up infrastructure spending, which is considered an important growth driver in the region.

“The Philippines, for instance, has embarked on an ambitious infrastructure programme called Build, Build, Build, which will see 75 flagship projects that include the building of six airports, nine railways, three bus rapid transits, 32 major roads and bridges, and four seaports,” he said. “British expertise in transportation and public works would definitely be welcomed by proponents of this programme.”

The Ambassador assured the audience of the strong support system available for those who are keen on entering the ASEAN market. He cited the presence of diplomatic missions of each of the ten ASEAN member states in London, and the UK’s diplomatic missions in each of the ASEAN member states; the UKABC, and the British Chamber of Commerce as some of the key institutions that can extend assistance to British businessmen and investors who plan to expand their businesses and investment portfolios in the region.

“Should there be anything else we can help you with, all you need to do is ask,” said the Ambassador. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of today’s opportunities to engage with ASEAN.”

The Sizzling Southeast Asia Roadshow is a round-table event organised by the UKABC to showcase ASEAN as an attractive investment destination for British businesses based in the West Midlands. END