§ 17. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development, what steps he is taking to increase trade with Saudi Arabia.
§ Mr. du CannSince the resumption of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia a year ago there has been a commercial officer at the Embassy in Jedda. After a preliminary visit by an officer from the Board of Trade in November, the Council for Middle East Trade sent a mission to Saudi Arabia in December. Its report was published a week ago, and should prove a valuable document for manufacturers considering entering this very promising market. I am inviting the Saudi Minister of Commerce to visit Britain with some senior officials in a few months' time.
§ Mr. WallI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Would he not agree that there are special advantages to be drawn from trading with a country which has no internal or external debt and a fully convertible currency? Will he do all he can to publicise the report to which he referred which gives details of the many opportunities open to British manufacturers when trading with Saudi Arabia?
§ Mr. du CannThe answer to both questions is, most certainly, "Yes". It is gratifying to note that United Kingdom exports to Saudi Arabia have increased by approximately 50 per cent. over the last three years.