Transparency data

Minutes of the fourth meeting between the TSD DAG and DBT, September 2024

Updated 25 October 2024

Executive summary

This was the fourth meeting of the Trade and Sustainable Development Domestic Advisory Group (TSD DAG) since the group was established in September 2022. The agenda included a review of achievements in 2024, a forward look to upcoming engagements, and a summary of the DAG’s renewal process for February 2025, followed by an afternoon private workshop session for DAG members.

Opening remarks

DBT’s Director of Trans-Pacific Negotiations and Policy welcomed the group. He outlined some of the new government’s emerging priorities and highlighted the value of DAG advice and consultation as these continue to take shape.

DBT review of 2024 engagements

After revisiting the objectives of and channels for DAG engagement, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) detailed the outcomes of relevant TSD sub-committees and cooperation activities since the DAG’s last plenary session in February 2024, including the productive first labour and environment committee-level meetings with Australia and New Zealand.

Attendees referenced ongoing labour concerns and the importance of continued monitoring in trade partner countries, particularly regarding the ratification of International Labour Organisation (ILO) fundamental conventions. The value of the DAG continuing to develop priority workstreams was raised. DBT was encouraged to continue fostering cross-departmental collaboration in trade agreement implementation. Members also offered technical assistance to facilitate cooperation activities where relevant, including on areas of interest regarding the environment and clean growth.

DAG members welcomed DBT’s publication of recent sub-committee and Civil Society Forum minutes and supported continued focus on this. They encouraged further engagement and relationship-building with partner countries outside formal committee structures. The DAG also noted the value of Civil Society Forums as convening mechanisms, and that where agreements do not provide for these, the group would value having similar mechanisms or means of engagement.

DBT upcoming engagements and DAG renewal

This session focussed on DBT’s forward look and planning assumptions for TSD sub-committees and Civil Society Forums. Attendees discussed arrangements and discussion topics for the second UK-Andean Civil Society Dialogue scheduled for October.

The group also discussed how DAG observations might be incorporated into the implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and of future agreements. The DAG noted the value of understanding implementation priorities and being clear on the DAG’s remit, as well as ensuring the Secretariat is sufficiently resourced.

DBT provided its timeline for the renewal of the TSD DAG by February 2025, when the group’s first 2.5-year term is due to conclude.

TSD DAG Workshop

This was a private workshop for the TSD DAG involving discussions on sourcing trade data, terms of engagement for Civil Society Forums, and relationship-building with partner country DAGs.

Summary and closing remarks

DBT’s Deputy Director of Labour, Anti-corruption, Climate and Environment closed the plenary meeting by delivering a summary of the day and of key discussion points raised. She thanked the DAG for their expertise and participation.