Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Paragraph: 63
Scottish exports make a major contribution to the Scottish economy and the risks to those...
Conclusion
Scottish exports make a major contribution to the Scottish economy and the risks to those key export sectors ought to be a major concern of both the UK and Scottish Governments. We have heard about the huge reduction in exports throughout the first part of 2020, largely due to the coronavirus pandemic. More could be done to support exports both in the short and long-term.
Paragraph Reference:
63
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The UK Government’s Department for International Trade has launched a UK Trade Hub, based in Edinburgh’s Queen Elizabeth House, to support Scottish businesses. This new Trade Hub will be dedicated to helping businesses in Scotland thrive and grow internationally, providing much-needed support for thousands of companies in these economically challenging times, and helping businesses in Scotland recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Businesses will be able to utilise the UK Government’s global networks, expertise, and influence, as well as the GREAT campaign and the world-leading credit agency, UK Export Finance (UKEF), to grow their overseas trade and build back from the impact of coronavirus. One of the UK Government’s key priorities is to champion all parts of the UK and demonstrate how beneficial a strong Union is for all. This Trade Hub in Scotland will provide businesses with the support and guidance needed to boost their profits and harness their full potential. Trade is crucial to the UK’s recovery from coronavirus and will be the foundation of our relationships across the globe after the transition period ends this year. The UK will be an outward looking advocate for free trade across the globe, capable of developing and agreeing trade deals with the world’s biggest markets, tailored to benefit business in the UK. We have already agreed the UK-Japan Free Trade Agreement which has secured a way for more iconic UK goods to be protected – increasing geographical indications (GIs) from just seven under the terms of the EU-Japan deal to around 70 under our new agreement. This will not only mean products like Scotch Whisky will enjoy continued protection under the agreement, but also additional products, such as Arbroath Smokies and Stornoway Black Pudding could be protected in Japan from next year. This would allow producers in Scotland to have their products’ unique heritage protected and could lead to improved recognition of key Scottish brands in the Japanese market. The UK Government is also making strong progress with our negotiations with the USA, Australia, and New Zealand. We are committed to working closely with the DAs to deliver an independent trade policy that works for the whole of the United Kingdom. We must also not forget that, for Scotland, our biggest market by far remains the rest of the UK and the Internal Market Bill ensures there will be no new barriers to doing trade inside the UK. Second Special Report of Session 2019–21 9