- The CBI chevron_right
- The latest CBI international and trade political engagements
The latest CBI international and trade political engagements
The CBI has continued to engage with international partners as well as the UK government to discuss developments in trade policy.
From developing the UK’s Global Britain narrative to engaging on the Australia-UK and US-UK Free Trade Agreements, as well as discussing opportunities to strengthen trade with Turkey, the CBI has been central to key conversations.
Developing Global Britain
Firstly, during the CBI’s annual Sunningdale meeting which brings together business and Permanent Secretaries from different government departments, the theme of Global Britain – Open for business was discussed. The session led by Carolyn and Antonia Romeo, from the Department of International Trade, focused on international risks and opportunities for businesses, important aspects to supply chain resilience and how government and business can work together to support the international recovery to Covid-19 though the G7, B7 and COP26 next year.
With the CBI set to host the B7 group of international business associations in the framework of the UK’s G7 in 2021, the CBI’s London and Brussels teams have been engaging with the Cabinet Office and the UK’s Sherpa, Jonathan Black, about how the CBI can help rally international business behind the COVID-19 recovery agenda focused on low-carbon, digital and equality.
As well as the B7 supporting efforts to develop the Global Britain narrative, the CBI has continued to develop relationships with the World Trade Organisation and was quick to engage Dr Liam Fox MP after he was nominated by the UK government as a candidate to be the new WTO DG. During the CBI’s International Trade Advisory Group which focused on China, supply chains and US trade deal, Dr Fox spoke to members about his plans for the WTO if he were successful and about how he sees global trade at a time of growing protectionism and geo-political tensions.
Bringing the busines voice to Free Trade Agreements
Elsewhere, with the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations having recently launched, Carolyn moderated a business engagement virtual event with the Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Senator Birmingham, and Secretary of State for Trade, Liz Truss. The strategic importance of the UK-Australia FTA was central to the discussion with a recognition that it would bring the UK closer to acceding to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and gaining better access to Asia Pacific markets.
Carolyn has since virtually met the Australian High Commissioner, George Brandis QC, to gather intelligence on the negotiations and further discuss the Australia-UK FTA. During this discussion, Carolyn welcomed the start of talks and opportunities that could arise. The High Commissioner highlighted that the Australia FTA should be gold standard and a first mover trade deal - quicker and easier than UK-US and more ambitious than UK-Japan. Finally, the pair discussed opportunities for the two countries to work together, including supporting contacts with CBI members on the High Commissioner’s regional visits.
Meanwhile on the other side of the globe, the CBI has continued to engage with Oliver Griffiths, the UK’s Chief Negotiator for US/UK FTA. In their last call, Deputy CBI Director-General Josh Hardie stressed the need for greater information sharing and clarity on Non-Disclosure Agreements so that the business voice is heard when it comes to any trade-offs. Further to this, the CBI’s Washington Office have been building links with State Administrations to look for business opportunities beyond the Federal level.
Strengthening trade and investment opportunities
And finally, CBI’s Deputy Director-General, Josh Hardie co-hosted a meeting with the Turkish Industry and Business Association who were joined by Trade Minister, Ranil Jayawardena and Deputy Minister of Trade, Gonca Yilmaz Batur. Discussions focused on plans to roll over the existing UK-Trade deal ahead of the Brexit deadline and wider opportunities to strengthen trade and investment ties between the UK and Turkey going forward. Lord Karan Bilimoria, the CBI’s new President, has fed in member views on obstacles to doing business in India ahead of the UK-India Joint Economy and Trade Commissoin (JETCO) later this month.