Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Free Trade Agreements

Thursday 3 September 2020 · 1 question

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Marco Longhi acknowledges his experience living and working in South America for five years and highlights the benefits of a free trade agreement with South American countries for high-tech manufacturing bases in Dudley and Black Country.
  • Ranil Jayawardena notes the untapped potential of South American markets and confirms that Britain is working to reignite trading relationships in this part of the world through regular ministerial discussions.
  • The Department is actively pursuing opportunities to open up new trading relationships, including with Brazil.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Marco Longhi Con South Basildon and East Berkshire
Business & Trade
Context

UK's interest in expanding its trade relationships beyond traditional partners like the US, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.

Question

Mr. Longhi acknowledges his experience living and working in South America for five years and highlights the potential benefits of a free trade agreement with South American countries for high-tech manufacturing bases in Dudley and Black Country. He asks Ranil Jayawardena to update the House on discussions to open these markets.

Answer from Ranil Jayawardena (Minister for Investment)

My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise the untapped potential of South American markets. Britain used to do more in this part of the world, so my Department is working to reignite those trading relationships through regular ministerial discussions, including with Brazil, to open up opportunities for trade. We have already secured a number of free trade agreements to ensure continuity of access for British businesses, and we are interested in further opportunities to deepen these relationships in the region, including through Mercosur.

Answered
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