Chambers celebrate key transatlantic relationships

The importance of transatlantic trading relationships between the UK, US and Canada was examined at an event jointly hosted by Greater Birmingham Transatlantic and Global Chambers of Commerce.

And delegates at the joint Canada Day and Independence Day celebrations were told that the nations “count on each other for our mutual prosperity and wellbeing”.

The celebration was hosted at the Birmingham offices of No5 Barristers Chambers, in partnership with Birmingham Law Society.

Delegates heard from representatives of the Canadian High Commission and the US Embassy.

Claudio Ramirez, first secretary and trade commissioner at the Canadian High Commissioner, said Canada's trade relationship with the UK is rooted in shared values.

He said: “Today, our two-way trade relationship is valued at over £25 billion per year. Two-way investment by companies expanding across the pond is worth another £83 billion. Canada buys from West Midlands more than nine per cent of all UK exports to our country.

“If we add investments from our pension funds active in the UK, you will find that Canada is present across Birmingham, from the Birmingham Airport to the Bullring & Grand Centrals Shopping Mall to the Busy Bees Nurseries to Paradise Birmingham

“In short, the Canada-U.K. relationship is rooted in shared values and on trust that flows from experiences lived together.

“As much as the UK needs Canada, especially in times of a cost of living crisis, climate challenges, armed conflict in Europe (Canada is the second largest contributor to Ukraine after the US), and the nefarious actions of powers that don't share our vision and principles like democracy and freedom, Canada also needs the U.K.

“You are Canada's second largest export destination in the world, Canada's second largest foreign investor in the world and Canada's largest Science and Technology partner in Europe.

“We count on each other for our mutual prosperity and well-being, and look forward to continue strengthening the trans-Atlantic ties of friendship and commerce that bind us.”

Pictured: GBCC international director Mandy Haque, Claudio Ramirez, Global Chamber president Mark Smith, Law Society president Tony McDaid, Transatlantic Chamber president James Tait, Gus Franklyn-Bute and GBCC international partnerships manager Sian Timmins