UK trade policy must work for Scotland

International trade and investment are vital to improving Scotland's competitiveness and reducing economic inequality. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a free-trade agreement (FTA) between 11 countries around the Pacific Rim: Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Japan.

Commenting on the official signing of the UK’s agreement to join the CPTPP Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon said:

“This trade partnership offers positive elements which will provide new opportunities for Scottish exporters, such as the tariff reductions for Scotch whisky in Malaysia.

“However, any gain from these opportunities cannot be secured at the expense of other sectors of the Scottish agri-food economy.  The UK Government must not use our world class products as bargaining chips and pit Scottish needs and interests against each other in any agreement on market access.

“There are significant risks in particular for our sensitive agricultural products - which have already been damaged by bilateral deals with two of the larger economies in the CPTPP, New Zealand and Australia. 

“That’s why it is absolutely vital that preferential access to the UK market must be contingent on producers meeting the same high standards our domestic producers are required to meet. This includes the use of pesticides, antibiotics and standards of animal health and welfare.  

“Increasing trade is positive when done in line with the principles we set out in our Vision for Trade strategy.  It is only right that devolved interests are fully considered to ensure that trade policy works for the whole of the UK.

“We will review the newly published documents, in line with our trading principles and to ascertain the likely impacts on Scotland. I will continue to urge UK Government to work more closely with us in developing a more coherent trade strategy, which, among other things, gives agriculture a higher priority.”