It will last for an initial three years and aim to focus on promoting and raising awareness of trade opportunities in both countries for manufacturing and engineering companies.
Included in the agreement is the sharing of market intelligence, data and policy work, facilitating visits and economic delegations for promoting trade, investment and commercial exchanges. It also includes opportunities for shared promotion at trade fairs, events and the two organisations’ annual conferences.
Says Terry Scuoler, EEF chief: “The ties between the UK and the US go back a long way and we have significant political, economic and trade connections. The US is a vital market for UK industry and is likely to assume even more importance in the wake of Brexit with the opportunity to widen our trade links across the globe.
“I am delighted to sign this agreement with our US counterpart which will hopefully provide mutually beneficial opportunities for manufacturers in both countries.”
EEF and NAM also plan to establish opportunities to meet both UK and US politicians, as well as senior manufacturing leaders from both countries.
In addition, EEF will place an associate member of staff in Washington who will co-ordinate and manage day-to-day engagement activities to include setting up a Policy Forum between EEF and NAM.
Jay Timmons, president and chief of NAM, adds: “This agreement offers a tremendous opportunity for the NAM to deepen our relationship with EEF. As the UK gears up for Brexit negotiations with the EU, and the US and UK lay the groundwork for a potential bilateral free trade agreement, close ties between manufacturers in our two countries are important to ensure we can seize the many opportunities before us.”
