Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 13
13
Accepted
Invest properly in tailored trade resources and realign DBT staff for Asian markets.
Recommendation
We agree with Douglas Alexander that the Government’s trade-focused resource must be matched to the potential of the export opportunities around the world. The Government must, therefore, invest properly in trade resources that are tailored to the needs of each significant Asian market. In order to match resources to the potential of the export opportunities the Government must undertake an analysis of DBT’s overseas based staff and compare this with the projected market growth in each market. The Department must then ensure resources are suitably realigned to meet strategic priorities and fully exploit the potential of growing markets. (Recommendation, Paragraph 66) 36
Government Response Summary
The government states it is already prioritizing support for businesses in high-opportunity markets and is reviewing the size and shape of its overseas network, informed by analysis from the Global Trade Outlook 2025, to ensure resources are focused on strategic priorities.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
In line with the Trade Strategy, the Government is prioritising support for UK businesses in the markets with the greatest opportunities for the UK and the 8 growth-driving sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy. We are looking at the size and shape of the DBT overseas network – this has included prioritisation of export markets and opportunities around the world, taking into account future growth potential, and informed by analysis undertaken as part of the Global Trade Outlook 2025. We continue to invest in building deep expertise and contacts in these markets to deliver greatest impact for the UK growth mission.