British Ambassador Asif Ahmad, who was in Bacolod City yesterday, said he was exploring opportunities for British businesses beyond Metro Manila, including possible ventures into high value sugarcane products.

Ahmad met with representatives of the Sugar Regulatory Administration and they discussed possible ties in the production of high value products from sugar, he said.

They discussed opportunities for the UK to look at cane derivatives, he added.

He noted that British Vice Consul Nicholas Loney in the 1850s played a big role in the birth of the Philippines' sugarcane industry. The renewal of British-Philippine ties in the sugar industry is worth exploring anew, he said.

The ambassador said in his meeting with Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. that they discussed opportunities for UK business in fisheries, agriculture and the BPO industry.

He and Bacolod Rep. Evelio Leonardia also discussed local and national issues, economic liberalization and politics, the ambassador added.

The envoy also met with British nationals living in Negros Occidental to listen to their concerns and to check on their welfare.

The ambassador said he will proceed to Negros Oriental tomorrow.*CPG

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