§ Lord MERRIVALEasked Her Majesty's Government:
How it is intended that "The Advisory Group for Tropical Africa" will:
and whether it will seek to develop a better understanding of the problems connected with the evolution of the developing countries covered by the Group.
- (a) assist in the planning and co-ordination of the British Overseas Trade Board's export promotion programme;
- (b) advise on opportunities and assist in the promotion of British exports;
- (c) advise on investments in Tropical Africa;
§ Lord WINTERBOTTOMThe Tropical Africa Advisory Group was set up to make available to the British Over-seas Trade Board and to Government Departments concerned with overseas trade the experience and knowledge of businessmen with direct experience of trade with Tropical Africa and to strengthen the links between industry and the Board and these Government Departments.
In carrying out its functions the Group will consider economic and commercial developments in Tropical Africa and will bring to the attention of industry and of the Board and Government Departments developments and trends which are likely to provide new opportunities for British enterprise or, should occasion arise, weak-nesses in our export performance that should be remedied. The Group will also seek to bring to the attention of business-men opportunities that may arise for investment in Tropical Africa, especially in joint ventures, that are likely to benefit 596WA our export trade and promote development in the recipient countries.
The Group will be kept informed of the export promotion programme for the countries of Tropical Africa sponsored and assisted by the BOTB. It will make proposals where necessary for amplifying these programmes. The Group or its members may take an active part in these promotions, for example in the reception of inward missions, by participation in outward missions, and in organising marketing seminars.
The Group will be kept in close touch with chambers of commerce and other organisations concerned with economic and commercial relations of Tropical Africa, to consult them and to ensure a two-way flow of information.
The Chairman of the Group will be a member, ex officio, of the BOTB Advisory Council.
The Group will certainly seek to develop a better understanding of the problems connected with the evolution of the developing countries covered by the Group in so far as they are relevant to the functions of the Group.