MONTGOMERYSHIRE MP Craig Williams has welcomed the launch of 11 new trade advisory groups (TAGs) by the Department for International Trade (DIT), as part of a drive designed to support the UK’s ambitious trade negotiations.

As the UK’s trade talks with Japan, the US, Australia and New Zealand intensify, Secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss is stepping up engagement with key industries across Britain, including farming.

Their advice will be used to help inform the UK Government’s negotiating position and benefit the whole UK, including cutting tariffs on products like ceramics, cars, steel and beef, and agreeing digital trade rules. Confidential information will be shared with the groups as they support the UK’s ongoing negotiations.

The new groups are businesses from across the UK, part of the DIT’s efforts to ensure it secures trade deals which benefit the whole country.

The 11 new TAGs are: Agri-Food, Automotive, Aerospace and Marine, British Manufacturing and Consumer Goods, Investment, Life Sciences, Tech and Telecoms, Chemicals, Financial Services, Professional Advisory Services, Transport Services, Creative Industries

Craig Williams MP said: “These new trade advisory groups will utilise the insight and expertise of the UK’s brightest and best businesspeople to inform the UK’s negotiating position.

“With the UK’s trade talks with Japan, the US, Australia and New Zealand entering their crucial latter stages, it is right that the Government steps up engagement with vital industries to utilise their technical and strategic expertise.

“As we recover from the devastating effects of Covid-19, it is imperative that we have trade deals which benefit all UK regions and nations.

“I believe the launch by the UK Government will deliver benefit to Wales as a whole, and in particular to mid Wales, in allowing business sectors to engage with and shape the UK’s future trade agreements.”