G7 Trade Ministers’ Meeting – Minister Tajani’s meeting with the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Antonio Tajani, met with the new UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds. The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the G7 Trade Ministers' Meeting in Villa San Giovanni and Reggio Calabria, reaffirmed the excellent economic relations between Italy and the United Kingdom, laying the foundations for the further development of British investment in Italy.

Minister Tajani said: "The UK is a key partner for Italy to which one sixth of our national exports are directed. In this respect, the Government is working tirelessly to further strengthen the already strong presence of Italian companies across the Channel."

Ministers also addressed the issue of economic relations between the EU and the UK, agreeing on the importance of maintaining the current level of economic interactions between EU and UK companies in spite of Brexit.

Turning to global trade dossiers, Minister Tajani reviewed the many shocks experienced by the international economy and trade in recent years, stressing the importance of joint work at G7 level to protect the stability and openness of markets. Finally, Minister Tajani thanked the United Kingdom for its support of the Italian Presidency also in the framework of the G7 Trade Track, pledging to work for strengthening the international trade system centred on the WTO.