The famous prediction that UK trade talks with the EU could be completed in an afternoon looked fairly unlikely when it was made and seems even more so as the complications of agreeing trade deals have become more apparent.
In October, we reported on a partnership pack produced by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) consisting of 20 “high-level guides” on procedures that are likely to apply in a no-deal scenario (see How to trade if there’s a no deal EU exit).
The level of secrecy surrounding no-deal Brexit preparations being made by the Department for Transport (DfT), coupled with a lack of information about the progress being made, is a potentially toxic combination.
Amidst all the arguments about how the UK will leave the EU, it is clear that there will be a significant impact on trade and that the Government will have to amend the 40 years of legislation that has accrued since the UK joined the EEC.
A new analysis by the European Commission reveals the extensive links between exports and jobs in all the Member States, including the UK. In total, global exports from the EU support 36 million jobs across Europe and generate €2.3 trillion of value added.
Business and political leaders from the Eastern region have launched the East of England China Forum which aims to stimulate inward investment, tourism, student numbers and export opportunities with China.
CBI Scotland has joined the Scottish Government in an initiative to help Scotland reclaim its place as a first-class exporter and a trading nation. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Trade Minister Ivan McKee provided details of peer-to-peer mentoring to support the next wave of Scottish exporters.
More than half of Scotland’s international exports in 2016 were to the EU or countries with an EU trade deal and Constitutional Relations Secretary Michael Russell is worried that the UK Government’s draft Brexit deal could put this trade in jeopardy.
The New Zealand Government has decided to canvass views about a post-Brexit free trade agreement (FTA) with the UK by issuing a call for written submissions.
