Director’s update: Globalised Economy

A new month a new Prime Minister but continuity in the international and trade space with both James Cleverly and Kemi Badenoch being retained in FCDO and DIT. The challenges facing the new government in stimulating growth and building resilience haven’t changed either.  Three immediate issues facing the new Prime Minister and his top team on the international space:

• How to conclude India FTA and CPTPP negotiations, particularly with well voiced differences on immigration and a combative Mexican government;
• With warmer sounds of progress in the last month, how to find a resolution to the Northern Ireland Protocol and rebuild EU ties in the face of Russian aggression; and
• Whether to continue a refreshed Integrated Review with a need to accelerate implementation in collaboration with the US and key allies.

CPTPP and the Mexico FTA

In September DIT’s Mexico and Canada FTA Chief Negotiator and I did a joint visit to Mexico City to support progress. This