§ Mr. DhandaTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she is taking to close the productivity gap with other European Union countries. [128204]
§ Ms HewittToday my Department publishes its strategy, setting out our priorities for the next five years to narrow the productivity gap with our competitors, including those in the EU. A copy of the strategy has been placed in the Libraries of the House, along with a companion paper setting out the analysis on which the strategy has been built.
767WThe Strategy focuses on practical action where the Department can have the greatest impact:
helping business to access the knowledge and ideas it needs to innovate;encouraging employers and employee; to improve their skills and create more productive, high performing workplaces;ensuring the right frameworks exist so that markets are open and fair at home and overseas;ensuring that all regions are able to fulfil their economic potential.DTI will work in close partnership with its stakeholders, customers and other policy makers to achieve these aims.