Free trade with developing countries to continue post-Brexit
1 min read
Free trade deals will 48 of the world's poorest countries will continue after Brexit, the Government has announced.
An EU agreement allows British firms to import goods from countries such as Bangladesh and Haiti without paying any tariffs.
International Development Secretary Priti Patel said continuing the deal - which excludes arms and ammunitions trading - will “help the world's poorest people stand on their own two feet".
She added: "Building a more prosperous world and supporting our own long-term economic security is firmly in all our interests."
International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said Brexit gives Britain the chance to “step up our commitments to the rest of the world".
He added: "Free and fair trade has been the greatest liberator of the world's poor, and today's announcement shows our commitment to helping developing countries grow their economies and reduce poverty through trade."
Some £19.2bn in goods - including 79% of tea consumed in the UK - are currently imported from among the 48 countries, which are identified in the UN’s Least Developed Countries Index.
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