WIREDGOV

The NAO report sets out what the FCO and UKTI are doing to meet the Government’s ambition to double UK exports to £1 trillion by 2020, as part of our broader determination to refocus our efforts towards growth.

We believe that the FCO has a vital role in helping British business to succeed in the global race, from supporting our exporters overseas to pressing for open markets around the world. The report highlights steps we have already taken, from targeting more resources at priority markets, to increasing commercial training for staff.

But there is always more we can do, and we welcome recommendations as to how we might improve our performance. We will be looking closely at these and working with UKTI to deliver the best possible contribution to British export success.

The NAO’s report highlights the key role UKTI and the FCO are playing in helping more British businesses to export and the results are coming through already. Since 2010 exports to China have increased by 91% and exports to Russia are up by 118%.

We are working hard to achieve our ambition of doubling exports to £1 trillion and getting 100,000 more UK companies exporting by shifting the focus of our staff, working in the UK and in embassies around the world, towards targeting high-value opportunities.

We are also providing more support and advice for UK small and medium sized businesses by establishing a global business network and opening British Business Centres in key markets across the world including India, China and UAE.

However we want to go even further and UKTI will work with the Foreign Office to implement the report’s recommendations.