Playing the Trump card

Love him or hate him, Donald Trump is coming to town.

The US President is making a ‘working visit’ where he will dine with the Prime Minister Theresa May and meet with the Queen, but there won’t be any fanfare that usually comes with a state visit.

Officials coming to the UK on a state visit usually get a parade with the Queen or address Parliament, but there has been speculation that fears of protests against him mean proceedings will be scaled back.

But are Brits missing out on a boost to the economy by not providing a full experience.

Whoever the visitor is, there is evidence to show that a state visit can actually be good for the economy.

A 2005 study by German thinktank CESifo – assessing the travel activities of the heads of state of France, Germany and the United States between 1948 and 2003 – found state visits boost exports between the host and visiting country by about 8 to 10%.

The report said: “The purpose of international trips by heads of state varies enormously. While the general aim is to develop and enhance bilateral relations, the focus may be on political issues, human rights, environmental protection, cultural contacts, or other themes.

“A topic that often features most prominently during these talks, however, concerns economic relations. Topics to be discussed may range from global economic issues and closer economic cooperation to joint investment projects and trade disputes.

“Also, heads of state are often accompanied by a high-ranking delegation of business people and managers. On the occasion of state visits, contact offices and business representations are opened, treaties and contracts are signed, and major bilateral projects are officially handed over.”