BABC sister chapter, BritishAmerican Business, releases statement on the publication of the UK’s tra

2 March 2020

Contact: Dominic Parker, Communications Manager

dparker@babinc.org | 020 7290 9882 | +44 7500 115352

London/New York - Following the publication of the UK objectives for the upcoming trade negotiations with the US, BritishAmerican Business CEO Duncan Edwards said: "We are encouraged by the extensive work and effort made to make an economic and strategic case for a transatlantic free trade agreement.

"We welcome the comprehensive approach which incorporates a broader vision for trade and trade policy for the UK, emphasising the benefits to UK regions, smaller businesses, workers, consumers, and the wider public. Together with the specific sector priorities, this approach also helps to define the role that the UK can play at a global level.

"We are pleased to note that the vision reflected in the document reflects our thinking and the approach that we have developed over many years. Trade agreements need to be realistic, tangible, and local. We are delighted to see many of our recommendations included in the document.

"Now is the time to integrate the UK and US economies further and we believe there is sufficient common ground between the UK and the US negotiating objectives to be optimistic about an agreement. As the leading transatlantic business and trade organisation will do our best to support the talks.

"Over the next few months it will be crucial that both sides establish a common understanding of where progress can be made, particularly to capitalise on the very short time frame we have been afforded and to offer the necessary triangulation with the trade talks between the UK and the EU. Tangible progress can be made in areas such as tariffs and customs facilitation, supporting SMEs, digital trade, services, intellectual property, procurement, and labour mobility, and these should be prioritised.

"The transatlantic business community is ready to support the UK and US governments as they work to seize the momentous opportunity to strengthen our economic relationship even further. We encourage both sides to be proactive in making the case to the public and demonstrate in tangible ways how a trade agreement can benefit the entire transatlantic corridor.”

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