Transatlantic dialogues to strengthen UK-US relationship

Transatlantic business leaders have welcomed a new series of trade dialogues that are aimed at deepening trade and investment ties between the UK and the US.

The respective governments say the dialogues will look to boost an “already-thriving £200bn relationship ”.

International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan and United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai will be among those gathering at the Joint UK/US Dialogues on the Future of Atlantic Trade.

The first dialogue will take place in Baltimore, Maryland, on 21 22 March with the second to take place in the UK later in spring. They will form a platform for further conversations between the two sides.

The events will bring together government ministers, senior officials, trade unions, businesses and civil society from both sides to discuss ways the UK and US can work together to deepen our trading relationship.

Duncan Edwards (pictured), CEO of BritishAmerican Business, of which the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber is part, welcomed the announcement.

He hopes the dialogues will lead to the removal of some key financial regulatory and technical barriers.

Mr Edwards said: “The transatlantic business community applauds the announcement as an important step towards deepening the transatlantic trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and the United States.

“The trade and investment relationship between the US and UK is an enormous economic success story and a great driver of the prosperity of both countries, but there is always more that can be done.

“We would like to see these dialogues find ways to further liberalise this trade corridor and remove unnecessary financial, regulatory and technical barriers.

“BAB proposed the creation of just such a Forum in December 2021 and will help with the work undertaken by delegates to these discussions in any way that we can.

“We are pleased to see both countries recognise the importance of strong transatlantic trade, investment, and political cooperation, particularly at a time when global events have made relationships with trusted partners more important than ever.

“Members of BritishAmerican Business still believe that both countries would be best served by a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement but acknowledge that this is unlikely to happen in the near future.

“Substantive progress is still very possible on a range of issues and the continued dialogue is valuable in its own right. ”