A new online service will make it easier for British businesses to access global markets and trade overseas, the Government has said.
Launching the digital platform earlier this month, the Department for International Trade (DIT) said the new tool will allow small and medium-sized businesses to “report issues preventing them from trading around the world”.
This, for example, could include regulatory, legal or needlessly complicated administrative hurdles arising from labelling restrictions, out-of-date legislation or licensing requirements.
After a business has flagged an issue, the Government said it would allocate a trade expert to work with the country to remove the barrier.
The Government added that it would enable businesses to flag issues relating to international investment as well as importing and exporting goods and services.
The new service comes after recent research revealed that all G20 economies would see increased exports of more than 20 per cent should just half of trade barriers be removed.
Commenting on the tool, International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss said: “Opening up new markets for British businesses is a top priority and the Department for International Trade has 1,000 people located around the world to help create more opportunities than ever before.”
She added: “I urge businesses to make full use of our new market access tool, which will help us to rapidly identify and knock down unnecessary trade barriers.”
To report a trade barrier or investment issue, click here.
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