SME trade dialogues praised

The UK and US governments have been praised for putting SMEs at the heart of transatlantic trade talks.

BritishAmerican Business - of which the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce is part - said the US-UK SME dialogues are an important step in helping businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

The fifth round of SME dialogues took place in Boston, Massachusetts last month.

In addition, BAB has published a policy paper - Taking the Next Step: A plan of action for US-UK trade cooperation following the US-UK Trade Dialogues.

BAB CEO Duncan Edwards said: “BAB has long advocated for the resumption of the US-UK SME Dialogues as a useful forum to advance cooperation on some of the most important issues affecting the transatlantic economic corridor.

“SMEs play a crucial role in both economies, and increased cooperation on issues like customs facilitation, digital trade, or access to capital, will benefit businesses and workers across the US and UK. ”

Emanuel Adam (pictured), executive director and chief trade and policy officer, said: “As BAB outlined in its latest policy paper, there is scope for the US and the UK governments to make considerable progress in this format to support SMEs, simplify trading processes, and strengthen economic ties. ”