The business response to last year’s consultation exercise was excellent and SITPRO is now in the process of addressing the issues that were raised and highlighted for action in the Government’s action plan Simplifying Trade Across UK Borders (as featured last issue). Part of this process will involve visiting stakeholders including businesses, trade associations and other organisations who responded and contributed, to update them on the progress of projects to tackle the international trade burdens discovered by the review, seeking their participation in these workstreams and asking them what needs to be tackled next. SITPRO also hopes to meet other companies who have not yet played an active role in the trade facilitation debate, but might have a valuable contribution to make.
Although the consultation is over, international trade does not stand still and new problems continue to emerge. SITPRO wants to receive regular input from business on how red tape can be reduced and how the international trade process can be simplified. Government departments are already working together through the International Trade Facilitation Committee, which met for the first time in December, and your feedback through SITPRO will help to ensure that this body continues to address the issues that are of greatest concern to UK business.
If you would like to get in touch about any issue that is hindering your ability to trade internationally, or any new procedures which have a negative impact on your business, you can contact us any time either by emailing us at tradeburdens@sitpro.org.uk.
Return to SITPRO News: Issue 71, Winter 2009/2010
