MP COLUMN : Jonathan Reynolds on the G20: Unlocking Global Trade Opportunities for Tameside and the UK

Last week I attended the meeting of the G20 Trade Ministers in Brazil. I had always wondered what exactly goes on at these events and what difference they make?

Last week I attended the meeting of the G20 Trade Ministers in Brazil. I had always wondered what exactly goes on at these events and what difference they make? It was good to see that they are worthwhile.

The main business was two plenary sessions on trade-related issues: reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and Sustainable Development including the role of women in trade. I used these to argue for a rules-based global trading order and support for the WTO as the way to resolve disputes between countries.

I announced a new £2.3 million Regulatory Partnership for Growth Fund which will help to unlock export opportunities worth nearly £5 billion for UK companies over five years. This means rolling up our sleeves and removing red tape where it is holding Britain back from harnessing every opportunity available. 

I also denounced the Russian invasion of Ukraine and called for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Middle East (both of which, among horrendous human suffering, have also been hugely damaging to global trade and prosperity).

However the most useful sessions were private bilateral (one to one) meetings with other trade ministers, including: the USA, Brazil, Argentina, India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland and France.

These allowed me to address trade access issues – for example, are people blocking our products from entering their country? A good example being China and pork exports, which cost us the Pilgrim’s factory on the border of Dukinfield and Ashton-Under-Lyne.

I highlighted areas where we might do business in future, such as selling frigates to Norway, and areas I want us to cooperate more on going forward, for instance between the Brazilian national health service and our own NHS.

I am also keen to see British products recognised and protected around the world, such as the event agreement we did with Brazil to ensure Scotch Whiskey has to be the real thing and can’t be imitated.

It’s all about making a difference and contributing to more jobs, higher wages and prosperity in the UK. Having these high level direct conversations is so important.

At the end of the day, much of the British economy is influenced by human relationships, and I’m not extremely keen to use my position to open up opportunities for businesses small and large in Tameside and in every corner of the UK.