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The changing nature of trade in the post-COVID recovery

International Trade conference: hear from speakers including the HM Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific and experts from Visa and Finastra.

15 Oct 2020, 3 min read

At the International Trade conference, we hear from experts from business and government on the impact COVID-19 has had on trade. The discussion focuses on both challenges and opportunities. Speakers explore a range of issues, including supply chain disruption, ethical and sustainability issues, acceleration of digital technology and innovation, and concludes focusing on how trade is a force for good in a post-COVID economic recovery.

Speakers:

  • Josh Hardie, Deputy Director-General, CBI
  • Jeni Mundy, Managing Director, UK&I, Visa
  • Natalie Black, HM Trade Commissioner, Asia Pacific
  • Janice Charette, Canadian High Commissioner to the UK
  • Simon Paris, Chief Executive Officer, Finastra

Watch the session

Highlights from the session:

  • Josh Hardie touched upon the impact COVID-19 has had on trade and business operations, amidst rising protectionism and Brexit. He also talked about the acceleration of creativity and innovation due to the pandemic and how businesses can benefit from digital transformation and create more efficiency and transparency in supply chains
  • Natalie Black gave an overview of how the pandemic is impacting business and consumers in the Asia Pacific region and what government interventions have been deployed to capitalise on the opportunities in digital trade and foster wider international cooperation
  • Jeni Mundy covered changes in consumer behaviour across sectors and emphasised the importance of collaborating with suppliers to create resilience
  • Janice Charette covered the uneven impacts across sectors in North America, and the inequality of the impact for individuals too. Janice also touched upon increasing government investment which can help create resilience in the economy, create long term competitiveness, sustainability and upskill the young workforce
  • Simon Paris reinforced the point that government-business partnership creates better policy. He highlighted the role of SMEs in improving broadband capabilities and the financing gap for SMEs globally which can be addressed through bringing together policy makers, financial institutions, and technology. Simon also covered the impact of pandemic on mental health and wellbeing, and how businesses can support employees.