Los Angeles – British American Business Council Los Angeles was honored to host UK Secretary of State for International Trade Dr. Liam Fox at a reception where he discussed his vision for Britain post-Brexit. The breakfast reception was held on Wednesday, July 27th at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica.
Secretary Fox spoke about the implications of Brexit and discussed a number of issues including the continued commitment of the UK to strengthen its trade ties with the US, and the need for countries to focus on wealth creation (not just growth) and supporting innovation.
“Britain is open for business, and will continue to support free trade. The UK and US are each other’s largest investor and foreign job creator. And here in Southern California, the UK is the second largest global investor, with UK companies employing over 20,300 people,” Dr. Fox commented.
In fact, just this week US pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline announced plans to invest £275m to expand its UK manufacturing sites, saying the country remains “an attractive location” despite Brexit.
Minister Fox also announced three new British government offices in the US, one of which will open in San Diego. Secretary Fox noted that “Given San Diego’s importance as a hub of research, life sciences, military and other key industries, it makes sense for the UK to strengthen our ties and work even more closely on trade and investment opportunities.”
Notes to editors
About Secretary of State for International Trade Dr. Liam Fox:
Minister Fox was appointed as Secretary of State for Defense in the cabinet of Prime Minister David Cameron (May 2010 – October 2011). He previously served as Chair of the Conservative Party. He was a prominent spokesperson for the Leave campaign and a recent candidate for Leader of the Conservative Party.
About the UK Department for International Trade:
The Department is responsible for promoting British trade across the world and ensuring the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to it. The Department is responsible for developing, coordinating and delivering a new trade and investment policy to promote UK business across the globe; developing and negotiating free trade agreements and market access deals with non-EU countries; negotiating plurilateral trade deals (focused on specific sectors or products); and providing operational support for exports and facilitating inward and outward investment. For more info visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-international-trade
For support in exporting to the UK or other trade services, contact our Los Angeles office on 310-843-2965.
About the British American Business Council Los Angeles:
A vital chapter dedicated to our members, the BABC LA hosts a variety of business, social, cultural and sporting events to meet their needs. Our members, who represent a cross-section of industries, have a broad range of skills and interests, in addition to one common goal: the opportunity to liaise with like-minded individuals who support the objectives of the BABC and all things British. www.babcla.org.
Source: http://www.ballantinespr.com/News/BABC/LiamFoxVisit.html