International Development Secretary Liz Truss has set up 11 new trade advisory groups covering a range of key sectors in a bid to drive business engagement in the UK’s trade negotiations.
As trade talks with Japan, the US, Australia and New Zealand intensify, Ms Truss is stepping up engagement with key industries across Britain, including farming, life sciences, investment and automotive.
The Agri-food trade advisory group covers areas such as retail, hospitality, lobbying bodies and producers. It boasts a diverse membership, including the National Farmers Union (NFU), the Scotch Whisky Association, Seafish, The International Meat Trade Association, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and the Food and Drink Federation.
Negotiators hope that the advice from these 11 groups will help them to secure new market access on products like beef, ceramics, cars and steel, as well as agreeing cutting-edge digital trade rules.
As the Trade Secretary pointed out, the move aims to bring business closer to the negotiating table and using their expertise to help secure the best possible deals that deliver jobs and growth across the UK.
She added that as the country recovers from COVID-19, the UK must be able to strike deals that benefit all regions, “so we can build back better and deliver a fairer country for all.”
The move has been welcomed by business leaders, with one saying that he is delighted to be able to work with the Department for International Trade as they develop a sustainable and positive trade future for the UK.
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