Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps his Department is taking to work with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to strengthen the export links of businesses in West Yorkshire.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) provides a wide range of help to businesses across the country. We regularly publish new export opportunities from around the world. We provide information and advice to individual businesses through a network of local international trade specialists. Our teams overseas provide support for businesses in finding opportunities in markets abroad and to help them navigate their way to new and profitable business leads. DIT works closely with local partners and has a joint export plan with Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, working with them to develop a range of additional support and services to strengthen export links for businesses. In particular providing a number of activities to help businesses meet overseas buyers, either in West Yorkshire or by going overseas, through trade mission and trade fair activity.