Officials say goods exported from the North of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are worth an average of £98.4billion.<\/span><\/p>\n Earlier this month government-led research also revealed exports support 6.5 million jobs across the UK, 74 percent of which are outside London.<\/span><\/p>\n But the Express understands it is a blow to Scotland’s own trade objectives with Scottish Development International (SDI) pledging to open trading offices across the UK and world to promote Scotland’s identity and trading needs.<\/p>\n SDI, responsible for promoting Scotland’s trade interests, has an office in London that targets Scottish businesses and helps them establish and grow existing business operations in Scotland.<\/p>\n Scotland’s Trade Minister Ivan McKee also said they wanted to develop an “ambitious, outward-facing Scotland” through Scotland’s trade policies.<\/p>\n In Scotland’s trade vision, Ministers say they wanted to increase engagement and building relationships through hubs and SDI offices.<\/p>\n A Scottish Government source told the Express: “There is a potential conflict here.<\/p>\n “It appears to be in part a political stunt by the Tories to strengthen the Union when we know Scots want to see Scotland’s future in their own hands.”<\/span><\/p>\n But International Trade Secretary Liz Truss said: “I’m determined to use UK trade policy to benefit every part of the UK.<\/span><\/p>\n “These Trade and Investment Hubs will help this country to an export and jobs-led recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n DON’T MISS: <\/strong> “They will mean we can channel investment into all corners of the country, and that exporters – whether they’re selling Scotch beef, Welsh Lamb or cars made in the North of England – have access to the expertise they need to sell into the fastest growing markets.”<\/p>\n
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Nicola Sturgeon ‘misled’ Holyrood, inquiry concludes [REVEAL] <\/strong>
Scots face tax hikes of up to 46 percent in independent Scotland [INSIGHT] <\/strong>
SNP pledges independence referendum within 30 months [LATEST]<\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/139\/590x\/secondary\/Liz-Truss-2966886.jpg?r=1616521517134\")
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