Question to the Department for International Trade:
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps the Government is taking to support the West Midland's economic recovery from the covid-19 outbreak through exports.
The Department for International Trade (DIT) delivers a range of export services across the West Midlands. These include: providing support in accessing international opportunities; participation in trade missions; providing export credit and insurance through UK Export Finance (UKEF); access to DIT’s international network; and support provided by experienced International Trade Advisers (ITAs). These advisers are also helping West Midlands companies to cope with the impacts of Covid-19 and their preparations for EU transition.
As I announced last month, as part of our response to Covid-19, the Export Growth Plan has additional measures supporting the West Midlands including a new Internationalisation Fund through ESIF providing grants to SMEs, the recruitment of additional ITAs and a new Export Academy providing training and expertise for exporters.