International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan met with Israel Minister of Economy Orna Barbivai in order to launch preparations for a new trade agreement that would deepen economic ties between London and Jerusalem.

In accordance with the custom, the British government is about to launch an eight-week consultation to analyse the views of the public and businesses, ahead of the negotiations which are to be started later this year. 

It is worth underlining that the UK is among Israel’s three largest trading partners, with an overall trade relationship reaching £4.8 billion. British exports going to Israel were worth £2.7 billion in 2020. In 2021, Israeli investment into the UK surpassed £200m. 

“We are using our independent trade policy to revitalise old agreements we inherited from the EU. Unlike in the past, we can now work with friends and allies like Israel to strike deals that are truly tailored to our strengths in areas like digital trade, services, and life sciences,” International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan was quoted as saying by the Conservative Post. 

“This new trade agreement is part of our commitment to building a stronger relationship with Israel and is a huge opportunity to deepen ties with a fellow democracy and tech superpower, so together we can create well-paid, high-value jobs in both countries,”, she added.

Cover photo: British Poles

Author: Sebastien Meuwissen