Asked by: Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to ensure that future imports into the UK from African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) group countries are not placed at risk by the cessation of any Economic Partnership Agreements preferences, and to ensure that UK exporters of goods and services to ACP markets are not disadvantaged in relation to EU countries.
Answered by Lord Price
The UK enjoys strong trading relationships with many developing countries, including the African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of Sates. As we leave the EU, we recognise the need for a smooth transition which minimises disruption to our trading relationships, both for operators in developing countries and the UK. Indeed, I and my ministerial colleagues are taking all opportunities to meet our counterpart trade ministers from the ACP group. We remain committed to ensuring that developing countries can reduce poverty through trading opportunities, so that they can become our trading partners of the future.
Asked by: Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the EU and regions in the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) group of countries, and (2) the negotiation of similar arrangements with remaining regions of the ACP group.
Answered by Lord Price
The UK is a long-standing supporter of the EU’s Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). EPAs aim to promote increased trade and investment by putting our trading relationship on a more equitable, mature and business-like footing, in order to support sustainable growth and poverty reduction. As the UK leaves the EU, we have an opportunity to position the UK as the world-leader on trade and development policy. We are in a stronger position than ever to develop trade relationships that maximise benefits for developing countries and for the UK.
Asked by: Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to maintain, or improve, Commonwealth Caribbean trade with, and preferential access to, the UK market, particularly in relation to commodities such as bananas and sugar, after the UK leaves the EU; and if so, how that will be achieved.
Answered by Lord Price
The Government is currently reviewing its trade policy as the UK prepares to leave the EU. This offers us an opportunity to forge a new role for ourselves in the world: to negotiate and design, in time, our own trade arrangements, including with our 52 Commonwealth partners. We recognise the need for a smooth transition which minimises disruption to our trading relationship with the Carribean.