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Tag: Philippines

  • Philippines to Market Fashion Products in Indonesia

    Philippines to Market Fashion Products in Indonesia

    The Philippines has expressed its intention to market branded retail products in Indonesia, particularly fashion products.

    To support the intention, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Jakarta has held an expo, Lifestyle Philippines, in Shangri-La Hotel on June 10, 2016, said the Philippines Embassy in Jakarta, Monday, June 13, 2016.

    According the Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Maria Lumen B. Isleta, the expo is expected to strengthen the relationships between the Philippine and Indonesian people.

    “It is an effort to introduce the various Philippine products and services, which may interest many Indonesian consumers once they know more about it,” Amabassador Isleta said.

    Alma Argayoso, the Philippine trade representative in Jakarta, said Lifestyale Philippines is aimed at promoting and introducing products made in the Philippines.

    The expo was enliven by fashion shows that featured designs of iconic brands, such as Karimadon, Rusty Lopez, Plains and Prints, and Cruzzini Barong Tagalog.

    The trade volume of both countries reached US$3.6 billion last year with a significant surplus for Indonesia, having an export volume of US$2.93 billion. Whereas the Philippine trade to Indonesia merely amounted to US$628.27 million.

  • H&M collaborates with Caitlyn Jenner for its newest athleisure range

    H&M collaborates with Caitlyn Jenner for its newest athleisure range

    A new H&M athleisure wear range is to be launched in July, developed with input from the Swedish Olympic team and fronted by personalities including Caitlyn Jenner.

    The launch of For Every Victory makes H&M one of the first major multinational fashion brands to make a serious foray into the booming athleisure wear market, to date dominated by fast-growing specialist brands including Lululemon, UnderArmour and 2XU.

    H&M -For Every Victory

    H&M For Every Victory – described by the H&M as “high fashion performance sportswear made to inspire” has been developed with input from the Swedish Olympic team, and the campaign is fronted by inspirational personalities who have all achieved their own victories, whether in sport or life.

    H&M -For Every Victory 1

    The athletes advised on design, performance and wearability. H&M also designed outfits for the Swedish Olympic and Paralympic team for Rio 2016, including the opening ceremony uniform, selected competition pieces and the prize ceremony outfits.

    “This is a collection about performance with great style and the input of the Swedish Olympic team has been invaluable in the creation process,” said Pernilla Wohlfahrt, design and creative director at H&M. “The result is high fashion technical sports pieces for everyone to wear.”

    The For Every Victory collection has a similar visual expression and technical knowledge to the Swedish Olympic team collection, with its own colour palette in black, grey, dusty pink and gold. It is centered on performance T-shirts, running shorts and leggings, as well as sports bras for women.

    H&M -For Every Victory 3

    The quick-drying, breathable materials help to optimise performance and recycled polyesters prove that high-function sportswear can also be conscious and more sustainable − all showing that there’s no compromise on either fashion or performance.

    H&M -Olympic collection

    Among the personalities fronting the new range are Caitlyn Jenner with her Olympic gold medal in the decathlon; Chelsea Werner, a gymnast who has never let Down Syndrome halt her progress; surfer Mike Coots who still takes to his board even though he lost his leg in a shark attack and boxer Namibia Flores who has fought against prejudice to pursue her dreams.

    The new range and brand will be launched globally on July 21.

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  • Philippine competition watchdog to probe SMC deal

    Philippine competition watchdog to probe SMC deal

    The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has announced it will conduct a “comprehensive review” of the 69 billion peso ($1.49 billion) acquisition of San Miguel Corporation’s telecoms assets by PLDT and Globe Telecom.

    The regulator has sent letters to the operators informing them that a thorough review will be undertaken.

    Such a review includes an investigation into whether there will be substantial changes to the market structure and the potential impact of the transaction on public welfare.

    In a statement, the newly-formed PCC said it had decided to conduct the investigation “based on the totality of information available to us, including public statements made by the parties,” which led the authority to “believe there is a basis to conduct this review by virtue of the powers granted to the PCC by the Philippine Competition Act.”

    The PCC recently decided not to accept PLDT and Globe’s initial application for the merger, claiming it was “deficient and defective in form and substance.”

    The operators had recently resubmitted parts of their application to address the regulator’s concerns, while maintaining that their initial application was sufficient.

    PLDT and Globe announced in late May that they have arranged to acquire SMC’s telecoms assets, including its coveted 700-MHz spectrum holdings, in a deal worth a combined 69.1 billion pesos.

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  • Conrad makes debuts in the Philippines

    Conrad makes debuts in the Philippines

    Last week, the inspired luxury of Conrad Hotels & Resorts makes its debut in the Philippines with the opening of Conrad Manila. Owned by SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, a subsidiary of SM Investment Corporation and managed by Hilton Worldwide (NYSE:HLT), the 347 room Conrad Manila is located at the forefront of the Mall of Asia complex, in the heart of the 42 hectare Bay City development, a destination earmarked as a shopping, leisure, and business hub.

    “We are delighted to establish Conrad Hotels & Resorts in this vibrant capital of Manila. The award-winning Conrad Manila, which enhances our portfolio, underscores our commitment to delivering best-in-class hotels in key gateway locations that meet the growing needs of global luxury travelers. An inspiring destination, Conrad Manila will delight guests with intuitive and customized service, as well as provide them access to a world of connections and inspired experiences,” said John T. A. Vanderslice, global head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts.

    “The stunning Conrad Manila is an exceptional addition to the Conrad Hotels & Resorts portfolio and we are delighted to be partnering with SM hotels on this exciting project, who share our passion for excellence. Its opening underscores the growth of our portfolio across Asia Pacific and our continued commitment to the dynamic market of the Philippines. This landmark property perfectly complements the vibrancy of this amazing capital city and will set the benchmark for luxury accommodation in Manila,” Martin Rinck, president, Hilton Worldwide, Asia Pacific.

    “We are pleased to work with Hilton Worldwide in bringing the esteemed Conrad brand to Manila. Amidst the robust tourism outlook, the most anticipated opening of Conrad Manila will definitely be a game changer in the already exciting Philippine hotel scene,” says SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. President Elizabeth T. Sy. “We look forward to a fruitful partnership with Hilton Worldwide in further elevating the hotel industry in the country,” adds Ms. Sy.

    Recently awarded the Best in Hotel Development, Best Hotel Architectural Design and Best in Hotel Interior Design at the fourth annual Philippines Property Awards, Conrad Manila’s distinctive architecture is inspired by the shipping vessels that ply the bay. The hotel sits atop the two-level S Maison, a high-end retail complex, and has direct connections via walking bridges to SMX Convention Center, the country’s largest convention space, and is adjacent to SM Mall of Asia, one of the country’s largest malls, as well as Mall of Asia Arena, a 16,000-seater indoor stadium where international shows, concerts and major sporting events are held.

    Poised to be the venue of choice for business, social events, and weddings, Conrad Manila offers four contemporary event halls and two sophisticated ballrooms, spanning more than 4,000 square meters, which are fitted with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. For intimate al fresco parties, guests can also opt for The Veranda, an outdoor garden space overlooking the city scape.

    At Conrad Manila, all 347 guest rooms and suites are specially designed with an intuitive technology. Upon sensing motion in the room, the air conditioning switches from energy-saving mode to cool, the curtains in the room will automatically open with ambient lighting set to match the time of the day. Guests can instantly feel at home with a 42-inch flat screen HDTV with an IPTV menu, Wi-Fi and wired Internet access, Nespresso machine, Bluetooth-enabled entertainment technology and hydrotherapy rain showers. Suites and executive rooms offer picturesque bay or city views, with access to the Executive Lounge, and bathrooms that feature in-mirrored TV for an uninterrupted entertainment experience.

    Located on the third level of the hotel is the infinity swimming pool, inspired by the pristine coastal seas of the Philippines with its coral shape. Guests may also slip to the 24-hour Fitness Center or the Conrad Spa, which offers a variety of locally inspired treatments using organic ingredients. The spa has six treatment rooms with soaking tubs, a private sauna, and steam facilities.

    The hotel has six restaurants and lounges, including a coffee bar, pool bar, and in-room dining prepared by the culinary team led by Executive Chef Thomas Jakobi. The restaurants and bar at Conrad Manila feature:

    • Brasserie on 3 offers an eclectic mix of sustainable and organic dishes ranging from hearty to healthy dishes. The restaurant also features al fresco dining overlooking the bay, private dining rooms for intimate celebrations, and an exclusive chef’s table, where diners can enjoy a special tasting menu with a curated selection of organic wines.
    • China Blue by Jeremy Leung presents a modern interpretation of the traditional Chinese cuisine, artfully curated by Chinese celebrity master chef, Jereme Leung. A first for a Chinese restaurant in the Philippines to partner with a celebrity chef, China Blue by Jereme Leung takes Chinese dining experience to a new high with its authentic cuisine, modern interiors, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer panoramic bay views.
    • C Lounge is inspired by the city’s distinctive culture and lifestyle, where guests can enjoy a wide selection of beers, liquors, and locally-inspired cocktails. With a laidback vibe during the day, it transforms into a sophisticated destination bar at night. Its al fresco area offers guests an awe-inspiring visual of the Manila sunset.

    Conrad Manila offers the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travelers the ability to customize details of their hotel stay before, during, and after visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s pre-selecting bath amenities or checking-in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features by using the app.

    Conrad Manila participates in the Hilton HHonors®, the only guest loyalty program where guests who book directly throughwww.conradhotels.com have access to benefits including an exclusive member rate that can’t be found anywhere else, free standard Wi-Fi and popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors mobile app, where HHonors members can check-in and choose their room at over 20 Conrad hotels worldwide.

    Please visit www.conradhotels.com/manila or call +632 8339999 to learn more about or to connect with Conrad Manila. For more information about Conrad Hotels & Resorts, please visit https://news.conradhotels.com or follow us atwww.facebook.com/ConradHotels, www.instagram.com/ConradHotels, https://twitter.com/ConradHotels.

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  • World Class Treasury Management 2016

    World Class Treasury Management 2016

    Treasury’s world is growing increasingly more complex. Never has it been more important for companies to control cash, working capital and risk on a global basis. Over and above the mandate to excel in these traditional roles, Treasury is called upon to be more strategic in it’s’ activities and to develop a solid business partner relationship across the complex.

    Company Boards and Senior Management are demanding improved visibility and control over risk, optimization of cash and working capital to reduce requirements for external funding and lower cost of operation.

    Treasury departments are challenged to operate efficiently in a global market place in order to support the competitive position of their companies.

    Banks are being pressured to advise their commercial customers Best Practices in the management of risk and global cash.

    This 3 day interactive workshop is designed for two audiences with congruent learning objectives:

    • The workshop is designed to provide Corporate Treasury, Accounting and Finance professionals with current, practical knowledge of the essential elements of Treasury management in a best practices environment. They will learn practical ideas on how to transform their Treasury into a world class operation that operates with better control, improved efficiency at a reduced cost.
    • The workshop will also provide commercial bankers in Treasury sales, product development, internal operations and marketing with an in-depth understanding of their customer’s world, Treasury Best Practice tools and techniques. They will learn how to walk the Treasury solution talk in order to better support client requirements.

    Using case study methodology, computer simulations and worked examples to illustrate key points, the attendees will learn how to apply Best Practice tools and techniques in all areas of global Treasury management in order to improve control, optimize asset utilization, reduce cost and better leverage staff.

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  • Bo’s Coffee founder selected as high-impact entrepreneur

    Bo’s Coffee founder selected as high-impact entrepreneur

    Having traded a law degree to start a sustainable coffee shop,  is now set to make greater impact on Philippine development.

    Endeavor chose the founder of Bo’s Coffee as the latest Filipino high-impact entrepreneur during its 64th International Selection Panel in Madrid, Spain, held from May 25 to 27.

    A global non-profit group, Endeavor aims to transform emerging economies by providing support to local entrepreneurs capable of creating high-growth businesses. The aim is to help them build companies that others can feed off, creating a healthy job-creating ecosystem similar to Silicon Valley.

    Benitez joins a select group of globally-selected, Philippine-based Endeavor entrepreneurs that include Xurpas founder and president Nix Nolledo and PSG Global Solutions founders Brian Cotter and Vivek Padmanabhan.

    “As a high-impact entrepreneur, Steve convinced panelists of his ability to build a successful business, but just as importantly, he has also supported and mentored other entrepreneurs to grow their own businesses,” said Manny Ayala, managing director of Endeavor Philippines.

    Sustainable scaling

    Benitez recounted how his appreciation for coffee began when he was a law student – he realized that he would rather be a barista than a barrister.

    After a trip to a coffee trade show in the United States, Steve decided to put up his own kiosk in 1996, with an initial capital of P150,000. Bo’s Coffee has since grown to be the largest specialty coffee store in the Visayas and Mindanao.

    The ability to scale up is a major factor in the selection process which Bo’s Coffee continued to exhibit last year, Endeavor pointed out.

    Benitez grew the business to 75 chains with 500 employees in 2015, and the company is planning to at least double in size by 2020.

    Screenshot 2016-06-17 12.42.06

    The firm’s social impact was another consideration for its selection. The panel noted that Bo’s Coffee sets an example for Philippine retail by partnering with social entrepreneurs for its nationwide distribution channel, allowing them to grow alongside the firm.

    These social entrepreneur partners practice sustainability by working with, and sourcing coffee from, local communities.

    As a newly-minted Endeavor high-impact Entrepreneur, Benitez will have access to Endeavor’s global network of over 4,000 business leaders who can help him accelerate the process of scaling up.

    The benefits also extend to free consulting services from top firms Ernst and Young and Bain Consulting, and potential access to Endeavor’s investment fund, should Benitez require it.

    “Bo’s Coffee is well-positioned for growth with plans to expand distribution in Luzon and Metro Manila. Further, Bo’s Coffee will push their message of supporting local communities and sustainability as the Philippines’ best homegrown brew,” Ayala said.

  • Robinsons Retail Philippines eyes 200 stores

    Robinsons Retail Philippines eyes 200 stores

    Robinsons Retail Philippines has announced it will add 200 stores, mostly convenience stores and supermarkets.

    The boost in its retail chain will add to its existing 1506 stores.

    For 2016, Robinsons Retail Holdings has earmarked P5 billion in capital spending, nearly 60 per cent higher than the P3.14 billion in 2015.

    Robina  Gokongwei-Pe, president and COO of Robinsons Retail Holdings, said “2016 is expected to be a good year. With the national elections in May coupled with the rising purchasing power of consumers fuelled by low fuel prices, we expect same store sales growth to stay healthy for the whole of 2016,” Gokongwei-Pe said.

    “We however, foresee competition to remain intense as more retailers are expanding aggressively in areas outside Metro Manila to cash in on the still low modern retail penetration in these areas,” she said.

    robinsons storerobinsons supermarketRobinsons Townville facade 2

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  • The Philippines Set a New World Record Thanks to this Retail Brand

    The Philippines Set a New World Record Thanks to this Retail Brand

    As Swedish retail brand H&M continues to dominate the Philippine shores, it seems that they also got a prestigious award along the way.

    Last year, H&M Philippines unveiled a 50 x 50 foot coat hanger in Ayala Center Cebu during the opening of their largest South East Asian branch to date. Not only was it a sight to see for local mall-goers, it also recently got the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Coat Hanger.

    Yes, there is such a record. I was as surprised as you. Also, I wonder how many clothes can we hang on that?

    What do you think about that? Leave your comment!

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  • SM Retail consolidation set

    SM Retail consolidation set

    Soon all SM’s retail-related businesses will come under a single umbrella company.

    The planned SM Retail consolidation is expected to boost sales by 16.6 per cent to Php251 billion.

    SM Investments Corp, Henry Sy’s holding company, said in an investor presentation that the merger of all retail-related businesses under SM Retail would ratchet up footprint and diversity in the group’s portfolio.

    Aside from higher revenues, the combined merger will result in 1927 outlets and 2.4 million sqm of GFA across a diverse portfolio of food, household appliances, DIY, furniture, apparel, footwear, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and specialty retailing stores.

    Currently SM Retail has only 553 stores and 1.8 million sqm of GFA.

    SM Investments is also expanding its minimart concept store Alfamart. While Alfamart is in the testing phase, it now has 126 branches mostly in provincial areas south of Metro Manila and in residential areas.

    The conglomerate said the minimart concept was different to convenience store, as it offers supermarket pricing and ready-to-cook items versus ready-to-eat products.

    Prior to the merger, SM Retail operates 53 SM department stores, 44 hypermarkets and 213 supermarkets and majority stakes in the local operations of Alfamart, Forever21, Crate & Barrel and other specialty and apparel retailers in addition to a minority stake in Uniqlo.

    SM Retail brands include Ace Hardware, SM Appliance Center, Homeworld, Our Home, Toy Kingdom, Watsons, Kultura, Baby Company, Sports Station and several other specialty stores.

    SM Retail is one of the leading retail companies in the Philippines, along with Robinsons Retail Holdings of the Gokongwei group and Puregold Price Club.

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  • Monster Employment Index shows 3% decline in online hiring for April

    Monster Employment Index shows 3% decline in online hiring for April

    Online hiring in the Philippines fell 3% year-on-year in April according to the latest Monster Employment Index.

    Despite the 3% year-on-year drop, online hiring improved over last month’s 24% decline.

    “The Philippine economy had expanded faster than analysts’ predictions in Q1, largely driven by jobs across the services sectors. This expansion has given rise to employee demands for various related roles, with the retail sector taking lead in hiring activities,” Sanjay Modi, Monster.com managing director for India, Middle East, Southeast Asia and India, said.

    The retail sector showed a 49% jump in online hiring activities, its first positive growth since March 2015. Among the occupations, showed a 33% year-on-year growth in April. Meanwhile, the hospitality and travel sector showed a 63% decline in online hiring year-on-year.

    “The Philippines is also likely to continue to lure more businesses, thanks to its business-friendly environment, which will continue to drive the labor market. Demands for financial analysts, BPO and IT professionals, web-developers and healthcare workers will be on the rise in the months ahead,” Modi said.

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  • Los Angeles hotdog chain opens Pink’s Manila

    Los Angeles hotdog chain opens Pink’s Manila

    Los Angeles’ Pink’s Hotdog chain opens in the Philippines today at the Shangri-la Fort in Bonifacio Global City.

    Pink’s Manila is the chain’s first international branch.The Hollywood legend established in 1939 has partnered with Pink’s family and Wildflour & Farmacy Manila to enter the Philippine market.

    Owners Richard and Gloria Pink are in Manila to attend the grand opening of Pink’s Manila at the ground floor of the newly opened hotel.

    Architect Lara Fernandez Barrios designed the “L.A. style biergarten” interiors based on Chef Walter Manzke’s concept for the Manila  branch.

    The new store features a converted Volkswagen Combi housing Farmacy’s ice cream shop and soda fountain stand, and soon, a bar that will be serving cocktails and mostly craft beers on draft.

    Tentative opening store hours will be from 11am to 2am, but are subject to change.

  • Two more Jollibee Singapore stores open

    Two more Jollibee Singapore stores open

    Jollibee Foods Corp has opened two more outlets in Singapore, driven by Filipinos’ demand for the popular Philippine fast food chain.

    The new stores of Jollibee Singapore are located at Square 2 Novena and Changi City Point, complementing the first one in Lucky Plaza.

    Aside from the usual fare, the new stores’ menu includes Spicy Chickenjoy, Crispy Chicken Burger and Chicken Tenders, to provide more options for Singaporeans.

    “We are delighted to further extend our presence in Singapore to further bring the joy of eating to more families. This is also in response to the growing demand of Singaporean residents who love our Chickenjoy and our Jolly Spaghetti,” said Dennis Flores, Jollibee Foods Corp VP for International Markets.

    “Our unique style of preparing our bestselling Chickenjoy was very well-received; crunchy and juicy fried chicken enjoyed with tasty gravy is a hit with local palates.”

    Jollibee has hit a milestone when it opened its 1000th global store at The Dubai Mall. The company now sets its sights on high-expansion growth in the US, Middle East, Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.

  • DTI to showcase Filipino retail brands in Jakarta

    DTI to showcase Filipino retail brands in Jakarta

    The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is set to showcase Filipino retail brands at the “Lifestyle Philippines” event on June 10, 2016 at Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia.

    In a statement, Philippine Embassy Trade Representative Alma Argayoso said Lifestyle Philippines is a branding initiative led by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Jakarta, which aims to promote Philippine-made products in the Indonesian market.

    “This initiative hopes to increase trade with Indonesia, which in 2015 stood at US$3.6 billion. The Philippines exported about US$628.27 million worth of goods and services to Indonesia, while the Indonesia had US$2.93 billion trade with its counterpart,” Argayoso said.

    The event includes a fashion show that will feature Karimadon and Rusty Lopez, two iconic brands in the Philippines that have begun to create a following in Indonesia’s fashion-forward clientele market. Other brands that will be featured are Plains and Prints and Cruzzini Barong Tagalog.

    Barong Batik, a known fashion innovation for many diplomats and dignitaries will also be exhibited at the said event. It is a fusion of Philippine barong and Indonesian batik designs into one.

    Apart from apparel, the event will also feature potential Filipino food products for exports under the Flavor Philippines such as Goldilocks polvoron, Mama Sita’s sauces and mixes, Leslie’s snack products, Destileria Limtuaco’s spirits and liquors, and other artisanal food products such as dried fruits and nuts, jams and marmalade, bottled sardines, and chocolate dipped dried mangoes.

    Moreover, hand-woven crafts will be featured under the special section, Woven Chic.  Indigenous textiles from the Philippines, traditional dresses, linens, and modern and traditional pieces of jewelry will be displayed for the Indonesian fashion-oriented consumers.

    “The regional integration in ASEAN presents opportunities for Philippine companies to expand to Indonesia and other ASEAN markets, and we certainly would like to actively take part in supporting Philippine companies in their regional expansion. We look forward to make Filipino products more available in the Indonesian market, particularly since there are many Indonesians, having visited or studied in the Philippines, who look for our products,” Argayoso added.

    The event will also highlight other Philippine products and services such as travel and tourism, educational services and pharmaceuticals.

  • Globe launches first 700-MHz base station

    Globe launches first 700-MHz base station

    Philippine operators Globe and PLDT have wasted no time in taking advantage of their newly-acquired 700-MHz spectrum holdings.

    Globe Telecom has announced it has activated the nation’s first cell site that utilizes the 700-MHz band, less than a week after Globe and PLDT each acquired half of San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) telecom assets.

    Globe executive Joel Agustin said the company plans an initial rollout of around 200 sites using the 700-MHz band.

    “The intention is that the first batch of the 200 sites we plan to roll out will be in areas where connectivity matters most to our customers as well as in locations with high convergence of users like here in the National Capital Region,” he said.

    Agustin said the 700-MHz band will be essential for the company’s efforts to improve indoor data coverage and to deploy LTE-based broadband in rural areas.

    PLDT separately announced that its wireless broadband unit Smart Communications will start using the 700-MHz spectrum it acquired through the SMC transaction this year as part of the accelerated deployment of its LTE service.

    The operator revealed it has been holding discussions with device manufacturers to introduce more affordable LTE smartphones and tablets compatible with the 700-MHz band into the country.

    Around 45% of subscribers to PLDT’s two wireless brands – Smart and Sun Cellular – are now using smartphones, up from 30% in 2015. But at present the majority of these are 3G/HSPA only handsets.

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  • McLaren leads new British entrants to PH

    McLaren leads new British entrants to PH

     

    McLaren sportscar (Photo: McLaren)

    McLaren sportscar (Photo: McLaren)

    McLaren, a British manufacturer of luxury, super high-end sports cars, is set to enter the Philippine market, completing the presence of all British car brands in the country while a huge British manufacturer will announce its huge entry into the Philippines next month.

    British Ambassador Asif Ahmad told reporters that McLaren officials came here recently to talk to 3 local car distributors, who could be potential exclusive distributor of the motor racing vehicles.

    According to Asif, he wrote to McLaren telling them they are the only UK car brand missing in the Philippines.

    “All the top brands including Bentley, Jaguar, Rolls-Royce are all here except you. So they come here and talk to potential distributors for exclusive distributorship deals,” he said.

    He hopes McLaren, which produces high end cars but more down to earth cars, would be able to set up local distributorship within the year.

    Asif believes there is a market for McLaren in the Philippines because Filipinos are not just buying one type of brand. Car sales in the country has been expanding robustly. In the first quarter this year, car sales went up — percent to —- units compared to the same period last year.

    McLaren, which leverages its successes in the Formula 1 and technology that promotes car racing, will all be imported from UK.

    McLaren’s retail network has also expanded bringing the total number of McLaren retailers to 71 across more than 30 countries. Growth was recorded across all four of the McLaren regional business units with Asia-Pacific seeing the biggest change with 11 new retail locations opening across the region, resulting in an 80 per cent rise in sales in 2014.

    North America remains the largest market for McLaren accounting for more than 30 per cent of sales, while Europe and the Middle East grew year-on-year by 10 percent and nine per cent respectively.

    Aside from McLaren, Asif also mentioned that a major high-tech British manufacturer will announce its huge investment in the Philippines in the first week of July, next month.

    The company, which Asif refused to identify, will bring in huge investment to establish a manufacturing operation in Batangas, which will be its second overseas manufacturing site. It is engaged in high-tech domestic electrical equipment and leading edge appliances like washing machines and dryers. Its brand is already being sold locally.

    Under the plan, the company will operate in the country in three ways. It will put up its own head office, establish a very high-tech manufacturing unit, and a third party contract  local contract manufacturer.

    “Combine all those together, it’s a hybrid. Three operations in one project,” he said.

    The company, which has chosen the Philippines over Mexico, has already talked with Lilia De Lima, director general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

    “This is a huge boost for the Philippine jobs,” he said adding that its one plant in Asia has created 30,000 jobs.

    “They have chosen the Philippines because of the talented pool of people. In Batangas, they don’t have problem in power supply and they have local port if they want to avoid sending things in Manila,” he said. One thing, he said, the company also cited the Philippines strong protection for intellectual property rights.

    He cited the improving buying power of Filipinos to be able to afford top-end products and brands.

    In addition, Asif expects more British engineering firms to participate in the huge infrastructure projects of the government.

    The British Chamber is also lobbying for the government to open up the education sector to allow British universities to open schools in the country.