BCC Welcomes New Era of Economic Diplomacy

Reacting to a speech by the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, at the BCC’s Driving International Trade Conference, Director General, Shevaun Haviland, said: 

"The Foreign Secretary’s announcements on a closer working relationship with UK business will be music to their ears. 

"Quarterly meetings, trade roadshows, better intelligence sharing, and a fresh approach to economic diplomacy -  that puts business and politics on an equal footing - are all very welcome. 

"For the Chamber Network, the announcement that all Ambassadors and High Commissioners will become honorary Presidents of their host country’s British Chamber is a special highpoint. 

"Alongside the creation of a new Diplomatic Advisory Hub in partnership with the BCC, I have no doubt that the future for the UK’s international trade relations will be very bright. 

"There will undoubtedly be choppy waters ahead as we navigate a new era of global protectionism, but I firmly believe that this much closer working relationship will help the UK thrive."

About the British Chambers of Commerce - Where Business Belongs 

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 51 Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of firms. It provides a unified voice for these companies, rooted in their communities, at the national level. We link our UK network with over 75 international member chambers, to promote trade and investment, and work for a better future for businesses around the world.            

For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk