The Provincial Government of Bohol, under the leadership of Gov. Aris Aumentado, met Director of Trade at the British Embassy, Ms. Lindsey Gilbert-Crouch on October 16, 2023 at the NEDA VII Office in Cebu.
The meeting was also attended by NEDA Regional Director Jennifer Bretaña, Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) Atty. John Titus Vistal, and Bohol Economic and Development and Investment Promotion Office (BEDIPO) Head Ma. Fe Dominise.
The discussion focused on new business opportunities concerning trade and investments, with the British Embassy introducing the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) framework.
This framework provides an avenue for Bohol’s agricultural products to access the British market with reduced or eliminated tariffs, which can potentially benefit the local agricultural sector and small-scale farmers significantly.
The meeting was anchored on the Strategic Change Agenda, which aims to create new opportunities and foster economic growth within the province.
The Provincial Government of Bohol is exploring and engaging further to trade prospects, and this meeting is a positive step in that direction.
Gov. Aumentado expressed his gratitude to the British Embassy for their interest in Bohol and for introducing them to the DCTS framework.
He said that the province is eager to explore new trade and investment opportunities that will benefit the local economy and its people.
Ms. Gilbert-Crouch, in turn, said that the British Embassy is impressed with Bohol’s economic development and its potential for trade and investment. She said that the embassy is committed to supporting the province’s efforts to explore new markets and attract foreign investments.