SCC comment on lifting of US border restrictions
Commenting on the lifting of border restrictions which will allow UK visitors to travel to the US for the first time in nearly two years, Dr Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said:
“Rebuilding Scotland’s transatlantic aviation connectivity, business links and supply chains are vital to securing a strong return to economic growth and sending a clear message around the world that Scotland is ‘open for business’.
“International business travel is critical to securing international trade and investment, and many businesses and individuals will welcome this significant development which once again opens up a key export market for Scotland. The USA remains one of Scotland’s top export destinations worth over £5.5 billion, and at the top as far as Foreign Direct Investment. The USA supports many of our sectoral strengths, for example, food, drink, engineering and fintech to name but a few.
“Growth in exports drives job creation, boosts productivity and strengthens business resilience. Our Scottish Chambers of Commerce International network can now accelerate trade developments and offer support to the thousands of small and medium sized businesses ready to come on this journey with us.”
On international supply chain problems:
“Scotland’s businesses have been at the sharp end of global supply chain disruption, put under further pressure due to the impacts of COVID-19, the UK’s departure from the EU and the end of the transition period earlier this year.
“The US market is critical for Scottish businesses and in 2019, 17% of Scotland’s total international exports went to the US, demonstrating the continued importance of good international trade links across the Atlantic.
“Repairing and rebuilding these international supply chains, tackling skills shortages, and building back business and consumer confidence is essential to growing Scotland’s international trade capabilities. Businesses will continue to press the Scottish and UK Government to do everything they can to resolve the ongoing supply chain crunch, rising cost prices, barriers to international trade, and the ongoing insecurity of supply chains.”
ENDS
