UKABC Hosted Dialogue with HoMs from Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore & DBT APAC Director
Arup, London, 30 June 2025
Over 50 senior business representatives attended an insightful, informative and interactive UKABC Heads of Mission Dialogue, hosted by Arup.
Our panel of excellent speakers featured:
H.E. Nikesh Mehta OBE, British High Commissioner to Singapore
H.E. Laure Beaufils, British Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau
H.E. Mark Gooding OBE, British Ambassador to Thailand
Matthew Davies, Director - Asia Pacific, Analysis and Accountable Trade Directorate (APAAT), Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
Key points from the discussions included:
Despite the geopolitics, ASEAN remains the region for growth. There are opportunities for UK businesses across a range of sectors, including digital, defence, infrastructure, life sciences, education and skills, renewable energy and sustainability in Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore.
The recently published UK Industrial Strategy and UK Trade Strategy will underpin HMG’s efforts to unlock more sector and market access opportunities for UK businesses.
Collaboration at the ASEAN level will deepen, driven by initiatives including the ASEAN Power Grid and the digital economy. However, this integration will take time.
FDI from ASEAN into the UK continues to grow.
Companies interested in entering the region should use the networks available – reach out to the Department for Business and Trade, work with local British Chambers and join UKABC to maximise potential.
UKABC was delighted to convene this excellent platform in support of UK growth and UK-ASEAN collaboration. Thank you to UKABC partner Arup for hosting the Dialogue.
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