Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will use his first international visit to the G7 Trade Ministerial Meeting in Italy to declare that the UK is “open for business.” Reynolds will emphasize that a “confident, outward-looking, future-facing UK is ready to play our part on the international stage” as the country resets its relationship with global allies.

During his address to G7 trade counterparts and business representatives, Reynolds will outline the UK Government’s strategy to foster sustained investment and economic growth for the next decade. The plan includes creating a pro-business environment that supports innovation, investment, and high-quality jobs at home. By resetting international relations and removing unnecessary trade barriers, the UK aims to unlock the potential of its standout industries, including research institutions, professional services, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries.

Jonathan Reynolds will state:

In the UK, we now have a strong government with an even stronger mandate from the British people. One that respects, wants to partner with and is open for business.

My message to you today is simple – Britain is back. A confident, outward-looking, future-facing UK is ready and willing to play our part on the international stage.

We are seeking a closer, more mature, more level-headed relationship with our friends in the European Union – our nearest and largest trading partner, and we also intend to forge better trading relationships with countries around the world.

Reynolds will also discuss how the UK plans to collaborate with global partners to tackle pressing economic challenges:

“We are not naïve about the scale of the challenges threatening global stability. Putin’s continued onslaught on Ukraine, disruption to supply chains in the Red Sea and superpowers like China using harmful policies and practices are distorting free, fair trade.

It’s why our Chancellor is pursuing a clear-eyed strategy of ‘securonomics’ – prioritising economic strength and resilience to increase market confidence and spur growth.

Governments cannot rely on the invisible hand of the market to do this for them. Fair, open markets with healthy competition can only be achieved through purposeful interaction between governments, business, and institutions like the G7.

It’s why the UK wants to work in partnership with you to increase supply chain resilience. Doing so gives businesses the confidence to invest and grow by planning not just for the next year but for the next decade.

During his visit, Reynolds will hold his first in-person meetings with his G7 counterparts, including expected meetings with the Vice-President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis and German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck. These discussions will aim to strengthen both global economic security and supply chain resilience, boosting confidence in domestic and global markets and ensuring that stability is shared by communities across the world.

Reynolds’ address is a crucial step in reaffirming the UK’s commitment to playing a significant role in international trade and economic growth, positioning the nation as a key player on the global stage.