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Europe, International Trade and Development What's New

HM Government publication - EU Compact for Jobs and Growth

On Tuesday 19th January the Prime Minister, Lord Mandelson (Secretary of State for BIS) and Alistair Darling (Chancellor) launched a new publication :

containing further proposals for a European Compact for Jobs and Growth to address the key challenges Europe faces over the coming decade. A Compact to ensure coherence between the existing tools and pillars of EU economic policy, including the Stability and Growth Pact, a structural reform programme to succeed the Lisbon Strategy and financial services reform.

Further information on Economic Reform can be found at

Simplifying trade across borders

A Plan of Action  - The Government has today set out its action plan to ensure cross border trade is simpler, quicker and less costly for importers and exporters.

'Simplifying Trade Across UK Borders' – A Plan of Action sets out measures to boost trade by reducing the red tape faced by businesses at UK borders. Measures include making greater use of electronic processes to reduce paperwork and better coordination between border agencies to streamline movement of goods in and out of the UK.

You can find put more at

“The Future of EU Competitiveness:
from economic recovery to sustainable growth”

The next decade will be critical in Europe’s economic history, and the incoming European Parliament and European Commission will face many challenges. Supporting a recovery that delivers jobs and prosperity will be vital. Beyond this we, as Europeans, must equip workers and companies with the skills, resources, and regulatory environment to allow them to respond effectively to the pressures of globalisation. Only by investing in our capacity to produce high-value goods and services can we hope to sustain the standard of living and public services that our citizens expect and deserve.

This publication sets out key areas where EU action can have the greatest impact to ensure EU businesses can compete in a global marketplace, and highlights the importance of an integrated approach to EU industrial policy and the future of the single market.  Translations are also available below in French, German, Spanish and Italian  to view go to

By working in partnership with other Member States and EU institutions, together we can strengthen the building blocks of our common economic future.  

EU Advisory Group to BIS Paper

The EU Advisory Group to BIS has published its first major communication. The Group consists of businesses, business organisations, the TUC, academics and experts and advises BIS on high level EU policy. This paper has been submitted to BIS specifically to inform policy work on UK priorities for EU economic policy under the new European Commission and European Parliament.

The Group's paper sets out recommendations in areas which it believes are vital for future economic policy in the European Union over the duration of the new European Commission and new European Parliament. To view the paper and to obtain further information on the Group, please use the link below:

Government Launches Review Into The Cost of International Trade Regulation

"The Government is carrying out a major review into the cost of international trade regulation. It intends to prepare an action plan on what could be done to reduce the compliance burden that UK businesses face when they trade internationally."  The review, announced in the November 2008 Pre-Budget Report, is a major political commitment.

Former Trade policy minister, Gareth Thomas, said, "International trade is vital not just for the global economy but for our domestic prosperity. To help UK firms thrive in the competitive global marketplace we want it to be as simple as possible for them to comply with trade rules."

The Government has asked its partner trade facilitation body SITPRO to carry out the consultation.

In order to view and contribute to the consultation please visit: http://www.sitpro.org.uk/regreview/consultation.html

'Trading in the Global Marketplace - How BIS can Help', a new information booklet for business published by Europe, International Trade and Development Directorate

BIS has launched a new publication outlining the services that it provides to UK firms to help them trade with other countries. It provides information on where firms can access general advice as well as where they can obtain more specific assistance to overcome barriers to international trade.

To view the booklet, please click on the following link :

Trading in the global marketplace: how BIS can help (1914KB)