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UK AMBASSADOR TO GERMANY VISITS LIVERPOOL CITY REGION
The Liverpool City Region welcomed UK Ambassador to Germany, Andrew Mitchell CMG, for a visit that underscored the strong trade and investment ties between the region and Germany. German companies have increasingly chosen Liverpool as their UK base, fostering robust civic and sporting connections with cities like Cologne, Stuttgart, and Hamburg.
In partnership with the Combined Authority, a roundtable event was hosted at The Racquet Club. Local firms with existing or potential links to Germany were invited to engage in a constructive session. The discussion aimed to gain insights into the German market, address the challenges and barriers faced when trading with Germany, identify the support needed, and explore potential solutions for market expansion. During the discussions, companies highlighted several challenges in trading with Germany, including regulatory issues, shipping and customs controls, registration processes, and staff mobility. Ambassador Mitchell emphasized how recent trade agreements, and the UK/EU summit are restoring confidence and streamlining procedures. He also highlighted the ongoing comprehensive bilateral trade agreement between the UK and Germany, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Olaf Scholz in August 2024. This treaty aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as defense, economic development, law enforcement, energy security, and climate policy, and is expected to be finalised soon.
New trade support initiatives were also discussed, with companies sharing ideas on navigating complex VAT issues, certification support, funding and finances for trade shows, and introductions to in-market support agencies.
The roundtable was highly productive, with a high level of engagement from all participants.
For further details, please contact export@liverpoolchamber.org.uk
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