FAST FACTS:: Education

The UK’s education exports are worth more than £14bn annually

This is forecast to rise to £21.5bn by 2020…

…and to £27bn by 2025

Japan is the EU’s seventh-largest trading

JAPAN AND EU FTA NEGOTIATIONS LAUNCHED

TRADE AND INVESTMENT Minister Lord Green has responded to the news that the EU and Japan are in discussion regarding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The first round of negotiations were held in Brussels on 15- 19 April for agreement in goods, services and investment, eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers and covering other trade-related issues, such as public procurement, regulation, competition and sustainable development.

partner globally, and the EU’s second-biggest trading partner in Asia after China. Conversely, the EU is Japan’s third-largest trading partner, after China and the United States. Together, the EU and Japan account for more than one-third of the world’s GDP. Lord Green said: “I warmly welcome [the] launch of negotiations between the EU and Japan for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. This is an important step towards liberalising trade between two of the world’s largest economies. “An EU-Japan deal could increase EU

GDP by €42bn a year, with a significant portion of the prize coming to the UK. Trade is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebalance the economy and support stronger growth, which is why the Prime Minister has made it a cornerstone of our G8 presidency this year. “This Free Trade Agreement will not only

strengthen our relationship with a key ally in Asia, but also help boost our economic links with the wider region.”

TAKING UP THE CHALLENGE to do so (which would equal 14,500 more exporters). By working together, UK Trade &

UK TRADE & INVESTMENT has announced 99 trade challenge partners drawn from trade associations, accredited trade organisations and other membership bodies focused on overseas trade, which represent virtually all sectors and industries of the UK economy. Collectively, the membership of the UKTI

Trade Challenge Partners is around 70,000 and, on average, it is estimated that 40 per cent of these are already doing business internationally, with the potential for a further 20 per cent

Investment and the partners aim to respond to the National Challenge to get more SMEs exporting, maximise the extensive industry knowledge of the partners to support UK trade overseas, improve planning and provide practical support and communications. .

NEXT STEPS

To find out more about the UKTI Trade Challenge Partner initiative, email uktitradechallengepartner@ ukti.gsi.gov.uk

INDIA NETWORK OF BRITISH BUSINESS CENTRES UNVEILED

PLANS TO DEVELOP British business networks in high growth and emerging markets were advanced when Trade and Investment Minister Lord Green convened a conference of representatives of 20 overseas business networks, UK business organisations and Local Enterprise Partnerships, the first of its kind. UK Trade & Investment is working with

them to build stronger support services in 20 priority markets. The first £1.1m business- led, pan-India network was announced at the event, led by the UK-India Business Council, with support from India-based British business groups. By the end of June, the Government plans to have agreed partnerships with groups in all 20 markets.

BRIEFING

viewpoint my world

EMMA JONES, AUTHOR & FOUNDER OF ENTERPRISE NATION

Any business looking to enter new markets wants to do so in a cost-effective, low-risk way during testing. Enter the PopUp which offers a way to meet customers, make sales and raise profile, without breaking the bank. In the shops we are opening through PopUp Britain (popupbritain.com), tenants who are making international sales are discovering new markets by selling to tourists and business travellers. PopUps facilitate exports but can also help to attract inward investors who are considering the UK and need a touchdown facility to test the water and carry out market research. What better way to find out if your products will sell than live trading for a fortnight. The cost is low and the experience invaluable. Of more than 130 businesses we’ve helped onto the High Street in the past few months, 15 per cent are now looking for a full-time site, proving it’s worth doing research first and then Popping Up all over the globe.

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