Priti Patel MP hosts discussion on International Trade for Essex Businesses
Witham MP, Priti Patel, welcomed the Essex Chambers of Commerce to Parliament on Monday evening to discuss international trade with the Rt. Hon Liam Fox MP, Secretary of State for International Trade [3 December 2018].
The meeting was well attended by a number of leading businesses from the County of Essex and the Secretary of State provided an update about the Government’s trade policy and future plans for trade as the United Kingdom leaves the European Union. The meeting was the latest in a regular series of meetings as part of the Essex International Trade Forum.
Speaking after the meeting, Priti said:
“I was delighted to host the Essex Chambers of Commerce in Parliament once again for another meeting of the Essex International Trade Forum and I am grateful to the Secretary of State for attending to outline the Government’s trade policy.”
“It was fantastic to see so many local businesses represented and have the opportunity to question the Secretary of State directly. Given our strategic location, with a number of ports and airports, Essex is a gateway for international trade and our local businesses rightly want to take advantage of the growing trading opportunities available to them.”
“We had an engaging and positive discussion on the future of international trade as the UK leaves the European Union and I am delighted that the Secretary of State has offered his assistance to some businesses to help them identify key international markets for future exporting opportunities.”
“I will ensure that we maintain a continual dialogue with the Secretary of State and the Department for International Trade on the matters raised at the meeting this evening so that the views and aspirations of our outstanding Essex businesses will continue to be heard loud and clear by the highest levels of Government.”
Denise Rossiter the CEO of the Essex Chambers of Commerce said
“I am delighted to have been able to chair the forum at a time when engagement and dialogue with business is paramount.”
Jane Rose, the Head of International Trade at the Chambers of Commerce, said:
“While the current political landscape and Brexit result in mixed opinion with businesses and members of parliament, this was not evident in the positive delivery of advice and information forthcoming from the Minister.”