► The BCC took part in the first meeting of the government’s new Critical Imports Council, providing advice on implementing a strategy around supply chain security and diversification, and imports in sectors of national importance like chemicals, medicines and energy.

► Our Director General and the BCC team had a very worthwhile discussion with the Japanese Ambassador at his residence, focusing on opportunities arising from UK entry to CPTPP, raising bilateral trade and investment, and Expo 2025 in Osaka.

► The BCC met Shadow Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds MP at Westminster, to discuss a range of key trade issues for members such as Labour’s proposed White Paper on Trade, relations with the US, China, India, the EU, and trader support services and future Network delivery and outputs in these areas.

► The BCC joined other business groups and the UK accreditation service (UKAS) to discuss prospects for a mutual recognition agreement on conformity assessment with the EU to help manufacturers and other traders, and plans for furthering this campaign.

► The BCC also also met with the Australian High Commission to consider how the first year of the UK-Australia free trade agreement has worked for traders in both countries, and outstanding issues for further discussion.

► The BCC took part in a UK business delegation visiting Switzerland. Liam Smyth, Director of Trade Facilitation, and William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, participated in roundtables on digital trade, customs and potential of the new trade negotiations between our countries for trade and investment. They also saw new customs operations in action on the Swiss-German border. 

 

► The BCC Policy team led a discussion at the EU Mission in London with representatives from the member states on developing the UK’s trade and economic relationship with the EU. We presented findings and data from our policy outputs on trade.

► The BCC took part in a discussion with UK government officials on the UK sanctions system, and how compliance can be improved. The UK and US governments held discussions in London as part of the Strategic Sanctions Dialogue.