Scotland's new trade vision: Can it be realised?

The Scottish Government has just launched its international trade vision. Although economic development is devolved to the Scottish Government, trade remains a UK parliament and Government reserved power. ‘Trading Nation’ sets out the Scottish Government’s trade principles of #inclusivegrowth, #wellbeing, #sustainability, #netzero and #goodgovernance it will use when developing trade-related policy and/or taking trade policy decisions, and how it will implement its export, investment and capital plans. The document also puts forward how it wants Scottish interests to be taken into account in UK trade policy formulation and trade negotiations.

Now, I’ve read mountains of trade policy documents in my time and it turns out, this one is a surprisingly good read. In fact, the Scottish Government international trade principles stand out as being diametrically opposed to the UK Government’s recent practice of disregard for transparency, disrespect for international law and misleading untruths demonstrated during the trade negotiations with the European Union. I may go so far as saying that, in the context of the last excruciatingly painful year trade experts have had in the UK trade policy arena, it is inspiring.

The document boldly addresses contemporary trade issues, supporting trade and climate change, gender mainstreaming in trade, a call for commitment to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights for all trade partners, work to eliminate modern slavery, policy coherence for sustainable development, a reformed, strengthened and enhanced WTO, continued commitment to Scotland’s Fair Trade Nation status, regulating arms exports and support to Scottish arms manufacturers to develop non-military application of military technology. A key ask for the UK government in the light of Britain taking back sovereignty of its trade policy from the EU, is for a comprehensive, formal role for devolved administrations and legislatures in trade policy making.

 The proof will be in the pudding – that is - engaging stakeholders in meaningful dialogue and monitoring the adherence to these wide-ranging principles. This will necessitate new consultative networks to be established in the region beyond the usual suspects (chambers of commerce, industry bodies) to, for example, a wider range of civil society actors, consumer groups, marginalised and unrepresented groups, academics and SMEs. But, to the masses, trade policy is intimidating, complex and the impact of trade policy is not always obvious or attributable. Trade policy capacity building within these wider groups is a pre-requisite for their participation and should be made a priority action by the Scottish Government to ensure this ambitious document can be operationalised.

 Scotland based AWD Trade Policy Consulting has extensive experience delivering trade capacity building programs to upskill business people, government officials and grass roots civil society organisations worldwide. Contact.