At the British Chambers of Commerce Driving International Trade Conference last week, the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy MP set out his vision for a new era of economic diplomacy, with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) at its heart.
This follows several reviews commissioned last year on the capacity of the Foreign Office in relation to knowledge and capability on how UK diplomats can support the Government’s Growth Mission.
The Foreign Secretary announced a range of measures, including:
Ambassadors and High Commissioners to be made Honorary Presidents of their host country British Chamber
A longstanding British Chambers of Commerce ask; this will strengthen the ties between diplomatic posts and British businesses overseas, further enhancing our international network of 75 British Chambers abroad.
More sharing of geopolitical insights and advice with business, led by the British Chambers of Commerce
1) A Diplomatic Advisory Hub will be established within the British Chambers of Commerce, working with the Department for Business and Trade, to give SMEs geopolitical advice and support
2) A Geopolitical Unit to be established in FCDO, to provide advice and support to businesses, as well as a point of input on trends and challenges to inform policymaking.
Quarterly Business engagement sessions
Senior Ambassadors and experts to share their insights and hear from businesses on their experiences and challenges.
FCDO Domestic roadshows
Ambassadors and Trade Commissioners to deliver domestic roadshows at least once a year, meeting businesses most relevant to their country briefs.
The British Chambers of Commerce will be working closely with Foreign Office Ministers and officials, as well as their counterparts at the Department for Business and Trade, in the coming days and weeks to progress these proposals.
Also speaking at the Driving International Trade Conference was the Investment Minister, Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE. She emphasised that the UK must work to build a closer relationship with the EU, in addition to our engagement with the US and China. This very much mirrors the BCC position.
All this hugely positive news is welcome, and we look forward to seeing what we can do to advance this economic diplomacy agenda ahead of the UK-EU Summit in May and the BCC Global Annual Conference on 26th June to discuss “Where’s The Growth?”.
About Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is the independent voice of local business across the county and one of the largest regional business networks in the UK. With a strategic vision to ‘unlock Hampshire’s potential’, Hampshire Chamber brings together the combined influence, strength and expertise of the county’s three former major chambers. It works with over 2,000 individual firms spanning all sectors and sizes of business. Member services include training, advice, international trade documentation, events, networking opportunities and lobbying to policymakers on issues affecting business. Hampshire Chamber’s business network is designed to help any employer to grow and thrive irrespective of their stage on the enterprise journey.