BVAA builds links with trade envoy to boost export insights

He recently headed a party that included Spirax Sarco, Severn Glocon and Heap & Partners, for a meeting at the House of Lords with Government peer Baroness Nicholson (pictured) – the trade envoy for Iraq, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan – and representatives of the Iraq–Britain Business Council.

“International trade presents both opportunities and challenges for many of our members, particularly in emerging markets. Engaging with trade envoys enables us to gain insights which we can pass on to the wider membership,” said Bartlett.

While Iraq has been a major oil exporter for decades, the three Turkic-speaking former Soviet Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in the Caucasus have emerged more recently as energy powers.

All have abundant stores of oil and natural gas. Kazakhstan, which accounts for 60% of Central Asia’s GDP, is also mineral-rich while both Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are electricity exporters.

As their economies have grown, demand for their products have increased the need for technology to cope with upstream and downstream demands.

International trade presents both opportunities and challenges for many of our members, particularly in emerging markets

Rob Bartlett, CEO, British Valve and Actuator Association (BVAA) 

The BVAA, which marks its 80th anniversary this year, boasts 200 members while the sector overall directly employ 9,000 people and contributes £3 billion annually to the UK economy.

Although many BVAA members work internationally, interest in new markets is likely to grow as Brexit impacts existing European export opportunities.

Bartlett added that better communication with trading envoys would increase knowledge and awareness on both sides.

“It also gives us a platform to raise concerns in person, ensuring government representatives are aware of what’s happening on the ground. This helps inform and shape their own strategies,” he stated.