-
International Trade Secretary MP visits Amsterdam to meet with
the Dutch Trade Minister and businesses;
-
He will deliver a key note speech at the Netherlands
British Chamber of Commerce’s North
Sea Neighbours Dinner;
-
He is expected call for a “more regular bilateral
dialogue on enterprise” with the Netherlands.
The International Trade Secretary MP is delivering a key note speech
this evening (Thursday 11th July) to senior Dutch
and British business executives at the Netherlands British
Business Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) North Sea Neighbours Dinner.
On Brexit, he is expected to say:
“Whatever the ups and downs of Brexit, in both the United Kingdom
and the Netherlands we treasure our centuries-old friendship and
economic relationship which has served our nations so well for so
long.
“Some things will undoubtedly change when we leave the EU. But
what strikes me most is not how much will alter in relations
between us - but how much will remain the same.
“The fundamental principles we share will endure.
“… belief in the power of free trade to build prosperity and
foster security
“… in upholding the fair, rules-based international trading
system to maintain – and increase – global prosperity
“… in the vitality that competition brings, encouraging the
dynamism that drives creativity and fosters innovation.
“The Dutch preference is to legislate where necessary and
self-regulate wherever possible. We agree with this philosophy.”
He will also talk about the enduring strength of the
UK-Netherlands trade and investment relationship saying:
“The UK will remain an affluent market of 66 million consumers
just a few miles off your shores. We will offer a competitive a
tax environment – including a commitment to lowering corporation
tax to 17% by next year.
“We will continue to be one of your closest and most like-minded
trading partners, with total commerce between us worth £93.1
billion last year, an increase of 8.7% on 2017.
“And we are committed to maintaining Britain’s position as the
most attractive country in Europe to invest in, including for
Dutch firms.
“It is in neither of our interests for this to change when we
leave the EU. We want frictionless trade to continue between us
which is why we have committed to zero tariffs on the majority of
goods imported from the EU when we leave, even in the event of no
deal.”
He will conclude by saying “Britain is, and will remain, a
progressive and innovative partner for the Netherlands - and
post-Brexit there will continue to be huge opportunities for
building partnerships to tackle the future challenges we both
face.
And he will call for the two countries to “open a more regular
bilateral dialogue on enterprise” to do this “more effectively”
noting that “our two governments are already working to advance
those discussions”.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Department for International Trade
- Over the past year, 58,080 jobs were created and safeguarded
as a result of FDI projects which DIT supported. [Source: DIT
Inward Investment Results 2019]
- Last year, DIT helped UK businesses export goods and services
worth around £30.5 billion [Source: DIT Annual Report and
Accounts 2018]
- Analysis by the Institute for Economic Affairs has estimated
that this could potentially generate around £10 billion for the
Exchequer. [Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/trade-dividend-estimate-an-explanation-of-methodology/trade-dividend-estimate-an-explanation-of-methodology]
- To date, the UK has signed or agreed in principle agreements
with countries that account for 63% of the UK’s trade with all
the countries with which the UK is seeking continuity for a
potential No Deal.
CASE STUDIES: DUTCH INVESTMENT IN UK
- Heineken has invested £50 million in refurbishing 150 of its
pubs, creating 1,200 jobs.
- Transport firm Abellio recently took over the East Midlands
rail franchise. The firm now employs around 16,000 in the UK.
