MPs question Intertrade UK Chair Baroness Foster and InterTradeIreland on economic growth and trade support
Former NI First Minister Baroness Foster will give evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee in her role as chair of Intertrade UK, the advisory body set up by the UK Government to advise and promote trade within the UK.
The session is part of the committee’s economic growth inquiry, with the Committee also hearing from Colin McCabrey of InterTradeIreland, which supports businesses on both sides of the border.
The inquiry is examining what more can be done to ensure that all parts of NI benefit from economic growth and the important role that new and emerging industries can play in driving future prosperity.
Intertrade UK was established by the Government with the aim of strengthening and protecting the UK internal market for businesses across the country and it held its first meeting in February last year.
The session will be an opportunity to explore the organisation’s priorities and structure and how it is delivering in its role advising on support for businesses and traders across the UK to expand activities and trade.
Meeting details
There are likely to be questions about the challenges and opportunities faced by businesses when it comes to trading both North-South and East-West, as well as the impact of the Windsor Framework and the level and types of support required by firms.
There will also be discussion about the role of InterTradeIreland, which was established under the Good Friday Agreement to support cross-border economic cooperation and trade. MPs are likely to ask about the opportunities arising from NI’s location on the island of Ireland and how UK Government policy can support cross-border trade.
The Committee has previously heard from leaders of organisations pursuing economic growth and representatives from local authorities.