Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Accepted
Provide clear framework for DBT overseas teams to support priority sector export opportunities.
Recommendation
We recommend that Department for Business and Trade teams based abroad are given a clear framework, which they report to Parliament, for how they can support export opportunities for each of the growth driving sectors, in the most important UK markets accounting for 80% of UK export growth. This framework should specify (a) DBT’s estimate of potential export growth opportunity for priority sectors over the decade to come, (b) DBT staff resource on the ground (c) objectives for trade barrier removal and (d) trade promotion budget and activities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 55)
Government Response Summary
The government commits to refocusing the overseas network on Industrial Strategy growth sectors, directing officials, prioritising resources, developing promotional campaigns, and empowering Ambassadors and Trade Commissioners to develop new strategic plans for supporting these sectors in major markets.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
5.1. The Industrial Strategy sets out that we will refocus the overseas network on Industrial Strategy growth driving sectors, including by: • Directing overseas export and investment officials and diplomats in major markets to prioritise the IS-8, building a pipeline of high-value opportunities that significantly contribute to UK economic growth. • Prioritising our resources towards the international markets which offer the greatest economic opportunity, particularly for the IS-8. • Develop promotional campaigns to support the IS-8 in important markets. • Putting Ambassadors in major markets and our Trade Commissioners in charge of new strategic plans to support the IS-8, with an expectation that they will develop these in partnership with UK businesses and national, regional, and local leaders.