Responding to the release of the EU's draft mandate for UK
negotiations on removing checks on food and drink and eliminating
carbon charges, , Head of Trade Policy,
said:
"Firms have been patiently waiting for
signs of progress on the EU reset and will be pleased to finally
see this movement.
“Negotiations on removing red tape for
cross border trade in food and plant products, and on carbon
charges are two key areas which can reduce business
costs.
“The sooner we can reach agreement the
quicker we can expand bilateral trade and reduce the bureaucracy
and charges involved.
“We are also encouraged by the
intention to remove ‘not for EU' labelling on products
circulating in Northern Ireland through amendments to the Windsor
Framework.
“Plans to link the UK and EU Emission
Trading Schemes will also reduce compliance costs for traders and
provide greater liquidity for energy markets and
investment.
“The UK has its own mandate processes
to complete, but we are hopeful that formal negotiations can now
begin in early autumn.
“Businesses will want both sides to
move at pace so they can see the benefits of faster economic
growth and additional trade at the earliest opportunity. A
win-win agreement for companies in the UK and Europe is a prize
we must all remain focused on
delivering."
More details on the EU mandate for
negotiations can be found here.
