LIAM SMYTH
POST-BREXIT, the need for the UK to establish new trading relationship across the globe is obvious.
Despite months having passed since the EU referendum determined Destination Brexit, we seem no further forward in setting out a vision for making more trade happen.
We know little of the UK Government’s plans for negotiating the trade deals that ease our goods into export markets.
Their website may be exportingisgreat.co.uk, but if exporting is so great, then why are more companies not doing it?
So it is interesting that as the capability and capacity of government to deliver the trade deals that business will need is under scrutiny, the Scottish Government has announced a series of actions to increase exporting from Scotland.
They are:
• to deliver a comprehensive programme of Scottish Development International (SDI) led trade missions and events and work with others to enhance and complement that programme
• to provide an additional £200,000 to help businesses help each other through pilot Local Export Partnerships in four to six areas across Scotland
• to deliver the Scotland Food and Drink Export Plan to expand key markets
• to grow Scotland's water economy through Scottish Water International and the Hydro Nation programme
The recognition that SDI should work “with others” is welcome news.
The private sector, through organisations like the Chamber of Commerce, has been internationalising business since they were established.
The network of Chambers across the globe should be well known in government as Chambers have been certifying goods for export for almost 100 years.
It’s a fact recognised by exporters - our own Chamber helps over £500million of goods get to market every year and certifies 16,000 certificates to make sure they get there.
We also connect hundreds of businesses with new markets through inbound trade missions like the group who came from Colombia last week and from Mexico this week.
The trade mission we organised to Iran last month connected businesses here with businesses there, without any support from government, but with real prospects of creating new export markets for Scotland.
Later this month, we are holding the first Scotland Africa Oil & Gas Forum, when Aberdeen will welcome the prime minister of Togo, as well as energy ministers from countries such as Senegal, Kenya and Cote d’Ivoire.
These vital connections are what will lead to increased opportunities in overseas markets and let our country flourish globally.
So, as Chambers of Commerce we stand ready to help the Scottish Government deliver the pilot “Local Export Partnerships” they recently heralded.
We are connected to local business, we are part of an international network and we’re already delivering for our members.
Meantime, as UKTi becomes DIT, and DBIS becomes BEIS, the Chamber of Commerce will stick with its name and internationally recognised brand.
We will continue to develop and adapt to the needs of business in an ever-changing global market.
It’s what makes us great.
Liam Smyth is membership director of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
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