UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch visits Gulf to boost trade ties

UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch visits Gulf to boost trade ties

LONDON, 22nd May, 2023 (WAM) -- British Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch will hold talks to encourage the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministers to advance the UK’s ambitions for a modern, comprehensive trade deal as she visits Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates this week, according to a press release issued by the UK Embassy in the UAE.

Meeting her ministerial counterparts in each nation and new Secretary General of the GCC Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Badenoch will also speak with senior business leaders and investors to build on inward investment to the UK – currently worth more than £15.7 billion – delivering on the UK government priority to grow the economy.

Ahead of her visit, Kemi Badenoch said, “We already have a strong trade and investment relationship with the Gulf nations, but I am determined to strengthen this even further. The GCC represents an enormous opportunity for UK firms, whether it’s selling brilliant British food and drink products into new markets or offering new consumers for our flourishing digital trade and renewable energy sectors."

She added, “I know my counterparts are as ambitious for this deal as I am, and I’m ready to match their ambition.”

The trip comes as the total