Bilateral contacts between BERR and non-EU European countries take place through various fora in support of the Department’s key objective of delivering free and fair markets, with greater competition, for businesses, consumers and employees.
In particular, UKTI officials in London and in posts have held discussions with a number of these countries to enhance bilateral trade relationships and address barriers to trade, and we have provided technical assistance to EU applicant countries to support their work on integration and alignment with the body of EU law. Since Russia and Turkey are considered “High Growth” markets under UKTI’s five year strategy, specific strategies exist to strengthen contact with the respective governments on trade access issues and to inform UK business of opportunities in these markets. For example, my noble Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform is currently undertaking an official visit to Russia between 26 and 29 October.
BERR officials also participate in the relevant EU trade policy fora to encourage and support the development of rules to maintain competition, promote competitive business environments in the UK and EU and achieve closer integration of these countries into the wider European economy.
These include participation in the EU enlargement negotiations with Croatia and Turkey (and the precursor Stabilisation and Association Agreements with the Western Balkan Countries), discussions with European Free Trade Agreement members, and discussions with Russia and the Ukraine on the Free Trade Agreements and EU Neighbourhood Policy.