On Thursday, February 24, 2022 the BABCPHL welcomed Emma Wade-Smith OBE, Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for North America and HM Consul General New York, for her inaugural engagement with our Organization. This special one hour meeting was a virtual roundtable discussion about The Future of the US-UK Trade & Investment Relationship.
Our exclusive program delivered an insider’s view about the advancing progress of US-UK trade negotiations and the strengthening of the relationship between the two nations. The conversation revealed timely insights about post-COP green growth strategies, and sector-specific updates regarding business expansion and investment throughout the transatlantic trade corridor.
Ekrem Sarper, Head of International Public Policy for Cigna Corporation expertly moderated the discussion, leading with questions about the current dynamics of the US-UK relationship, and the role and priorities of the Department for International Trade. The dialogue between Emma and Ekrem specifically highlighted areas of future growth and collaboration between the two nations.
The US and the UK are partners. The countries maintain a very special relationship, valuing freedom and democracy above all else. The partnership between the public and private sectors to build back stronger from the pandemic in support of transatlantic growth is a priority. Emma and her team are eager to collaborate in forwarding this mission and enhancing the largest bilateral trading relationship on the planet.
It was an honor and privilege to engage Emma in conversation about HMG’s key areas of focus in 2022. The exchange emphasized the growth and innovation practices the US and the UK share, such as tech and digital trade, green growth and sustainability, financial services, business mobility, creative, and more. These sectors, in addition to many others are supported by the UK’s new export strategy, designed to bolster prosperity and global economic growth.
Oliver St. Clair Franklin OBE, Honorary British Consul for Greater Philadelphia and Michelle Colona, Senior Vice President, Cigna Americas, offered introductory remarks, and Nick Lotz, President, BABCPHL opened and closed the meeting.
Special thanks to Cigna for sponsoring and hosting the webinar, and to our event partners: The Department of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia, The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, The World Trade Center of Delaware, and The World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia.
Click here for photos and here for the OnDemand playback recording.
