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International trade
International trade is vital to the UK economy. Indeed the Government attaches the highest importance to increasing the competitiveness of UK business through its Competitiveness Agenda. Healthcare makes a significant contribution to the economy; last year UK exports of healthcare products and services were in excess of £14 billion.
DH International: Overview
Effective trade promotion is about robust networks, collaboration and co-operation. It is precisely because of this that the Department of Health International ( DHI ) has been revitalised to work with its partners in Government - Trade Partners UK ( now UK Trade and Investment ) - the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and industry - the Association of British Healthcare Industries, British Consultants & Construction Bureau, British Healthcare etc.
Health Industries Task Force: Developing international strategy
Last year Baroness Andrews formally launched 'British Healthcare '. A subsequent briefing with industrial leaders raised many issues and these are now subject to an important joint working initiative between the DH, DTI officials and the healthcare industry. This group, known as the Health Industry Task Force (HITF), will be led by Lord Warner, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, Lord Sainsbury, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, and Mr Mike O'Brien, Minister of State for Trade and Investment. It will deliver recommendations that should benefit patients and stimulate science and industry in the UK to improve manufacturing, investment and exports.
Sharing best practice
DH International would like to invite organisations and individuals with international interests or a wish to share best practice, to register their details on a database that will support matching of service providers in the UK with high level fact finding delegations from abroad. Should you wish to register your interest please:
Additional links
Better health through partnership: A programme for action
This report of the Healthcare Industries Task Force provides a programme of action aimed at benefiting patients and the NHS and stimulating science and industry in the UK to improve growth in manufacturing, investment, employment and exports.
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