LONDON, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Exports from Britain's Northern Powerhouse region now account for 20 percent of all British goods and services sold abroad, the Department for International Trade said Thursday.
Exports have helped propel the value of the Northern Powerhouse economy to more than 325 billion U.S. dollars, greater than the economies of Austria, Belgium or Norway, said the department in a statement issued in London.
Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry said: "As we seize the opportunities that come with leaving the European Union, it will be the manufacturers of the Northern Powerhouse that will help us deliver a strong and resilient economy fit for the future."
The Northern Powerhouse stretched across northern England from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, taking in major conurbations including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Hull and Newcastle.
British Trade Minister Graham Stuart said: "Exporters are the driving force behind the Northern Powerhouse's economy. Through trade missions tailored to northern businesses and one-to-one support from our expert international trade advisers, the Department for International Trade is helping thousands of businesses across the Northern Powerhouse achieve their export ambitions.
Over 9 million U.S. dollars has been earmarked to establish a Northern Powerhouse Taskforce to boost trade and investment across the North. The taskforce has completed over 50 Northern Powerhouse Trade Missions from San Francisco to Singapore.
The government report was released to mark the latest four global exporting companies within the region to sign up as Northern Powerhouse partners.
"Some of the world's most recognisable brands have signed up to support the government's plan for the Northern Powerhouse as new figures show the region's economy is now greater than that of some European nation," said the Department for International Trade.
One of the latest businesses to sign up as supporters is play-equipment manufacturer Playdale which dates back to 1735. The company, based in Cumbria, exports to almost 50 countries.
