Design is key for overseas trade strategy

UK Trade & Investment has unveiled a five-year strategy which claims to put design and the creative industries at the heart of Government efforts to develop overseas business.

Launching the strategy, dubbed Prosperity in a Changing World, Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling set out initiatives to attract foreign direct investment and divert £5m of resources to high-growth economies, such as India and China.

Design is a major component in the UKTI strategy, says Andrew Summers, chairman of Government body Design Partners. ‘Design is now centre stage and of huge importance in the promotion of the UK. It will be used as one of the key promotions in terms of business services,’ says Summers.

The strategy will lead to an increase in design and creative industries trade missions and overseas studies, adds Summers.