UK signs trade pact with Thailand in bid to boost exports September 18, 2024 The UK has signed an enhanced trade pact with Thailand in an effort to boost British exports and drive investment. Trade minister Douglas Alexander inked the enhanced trade partnership (ETP) agreement with Thai commerce minister Pichai Naripthaphan in Bangkok this morning (Wednesday). It came during the Blair-era minister’s first visit to Asia after being re-elected [...]
‘Open for business’: Ministers head to Gulf states in bid to boost UK trade links September 16, 2024 Senior ministers are heading to the Gulf states for talks on boosting the UK’s economy via expanding trade links with the region and attracting international investment. Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds and trade minister Douglas Alexander are flying to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on their first joint international visit since the election, with Alexander then set to [...]
Industrial strategy must boost e-commerce exports to help small firms, report urges September 9, 2024 The government’s industrial strategy must prioritise e-commerce in order to boost small business exports and promote economic growth, a report has urged. Improving trade technology adoption, boosting support for targeting emerging markets, and developing initiatives to support female-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) would make a significant contribution to the number of small firms exporting, [...]
UK-EU trade has ‘flatlined’ but hopes for ‘reset’, MPs told September 6, 2024 UK trade with the European Union (EU) has “essentially flatlined”, MPs were told, but the new government hopes to “reset our relationship” with the neighbouring bloc. Business minister Douglas Alexander told the House of Commons: “Overall trade since 2018 has essentially flatlined. “As a government, we’re determined to reset our relationship with the EU more [...]
Crawling back to the EU after Brexit will only end badly for Britain July 31, 2024 The new government is seeking closer ties to the EU, but Brussels will not be kind to a prodigal son, writes Paul Ormerod Clear signals are being emitted by Keir Starmer’s government on the European Union (EU). A much closer relationship is being sought on a wide range of issues such as trade and defence. [...]
Britain eyes Gulf and India for new free trade deals July 29, 2024 Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said his teams would be entering negotiating rooms "as soon as possible."
Labour government ‘seeking closer relationship’ with EU, Reynolds to say July 16, 2024 The UK is “seeking a closer relationship” with the European Union (EU), Jonathan Reynolds will say as he travels to the G7 trade summit.
EU would give ‘fair hearing’ to plans to improve relationship, Irish PM says July 7, 2024 EU leaders would give Keir Starmer a “fair hearing” on plans for “ironing out practical issues” between the UK and Europe, the Irish Prime Minister said.
UK should ‘explore’ closer trade relations with EU, Jonathan Reynolds says July 7, 2024 The UK should “explore opportunities” for closer trade relations with the European Union (EU), Jonathan Reynolds has said.
Election 2024: Our plan for business will ‘turbocharge growth’, Tories claim June 27, 2024 The Conservatives have claimed their plan for the UK’s businesses will “turbocharge growth and productivity” ahead of the July 4 general election.