As the UK gets back to business post-pandemic, unlocking the opportunities for the economy is at the top of the policy agenda. For services, which account for 80 per cent of the UK economy, this is vital. From financial and professional services to the digital industry these sectors will be the engine of UK growth. For Britain, one of the world’s free trade champions, much will depend on trade and the lead the UK gives in reforming international services trade at the WTO and other platforms –from the EU-UK trade deal, the TCA, to the Trans-Pacific partnership, the CPTPP. Digital technology is not only central to future trade, but the digital sector contributed around £151bn in output in 2019 and accounted for 1.6 million jobs.
On Thursday 21 July, 12:30pm – 1:30pm, Politeia’s next event, The UK, Global Trade and the Digital Economy – Security and Liberty, will focus on this vital subject. Speakers will include:
- David Collins, Professor of International Economic Law at City, University of London and the author of Politeia’s forthcoming, The UK, The WTO and Global Trade: Leading Reform on Services Trade
- Jae Sundaram, Reader in Trade & Maritime Law, University of Buckingham
- Barnabas Reynolds, Global Head of the Financial Services Industry Group and Shearman & Sterling LLP
- Martin Howe QC, 8 New Square
- Dr Sheila Lawlor, Founder and Research Director – to chair
Speakers will consider the steps needed to liberalise trade in services and the legal framework for future trade and such points as:
- How can the obstacles to services trade be tackled?
- How can the need by business and individuals to keep their data secure be reconciled with the drive to liberalise free trade?
- What improvements can be made to the UK’s trade agreements with the EU, Canada and Japan, and potentially the CPTPP?
- How best will potential agreements with the US or Commonwealth countries be promoted?
- What steps should the UK take to lead the reform of the WTO’s trade in services, TISA?
