UK-German trade explored during Ambassador visit

Germany 's Ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, spelled out the challenges and opportunities surrounding bilateral trade between the two countries during a visit to Birmingham.

Mr Berger, who was in Birmingham to meet with the city 's universities as well as the new leader of Birmingham City Council Cllr John Cotton, took part in a discussion at Hotel du Vin which was attended by representatives of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

He told delegates: “Co-operation is so important and the need to collaborate. Germany has its target to become net zero by 2045 so energy is an important sector. Energy security is a big topic. ”

On the impact of Brexit, he added: “UK was Germany 's fifth largest trading partner. There are over 2,500 German companies based in the UK.

“The mood is quite positive, but there are still challenges with paperwork, more so for those that produce goods in the UK to move to the German market. ”

Mandy Haque, the Chamber 's international director who attended the event alongside president Deb Leary, said: “It was great to have the opportunity to hear from and put questions to Ambassador Berger.

“I asked him about the challenges of Brexit and advised on how some of our member businesses had been impacted.

“He said that Chambers play a big role in bringing those challenges together to lobby for change.

“After the next General Election, there is one year before the revisions of the TCA (UK-EU Trade Co-operation Agreement) and that is enough time for government to realign and make the necessary revisions. ”

Pictured: Mandy Haque (left), Ambassador Berger and Deb Leary