HC Deb 11 December 2003 vol 415 cc557-8W
17. James Purnell

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on bilateral trade relations with Bangladesh. [143335]

Ms Hewitt

Bilateral trade in goods between the United Kingdom and Bangladesh in 2002 was worth £549.8 million, an increase of 5 per cent. over 2001. In the first nine months of 2003, bilateral trade in goods with Bangladesh amounted to £438 million, an increase of 8.2 per cent. over the same period in 2002.

Total UK exports to Bangladesh in 2002 were worth £66 million. Our principal exports are power generating machinery and equipment, dyeing, tanning and colouring materials and specialised industrial machinery and medical and pharmaceutical products.

Bankruptcies in England and Wales—Industrial analysis
2002 2003
Industry Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2
Self-employed
Agriculture and horticulture 35 34 21 42 50
Manufacturing
Food, drink and tobacco 6 7 3 1 4
Chemicals 3 0 3 1 0

Forward to