§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his policy towards investment in 231W Cambodia by British companies; what action the British Government have taken to facilitate business links; and if he will make a statement. [13949]
§ Mr. OppenheimInvestment prospects in Cambodia have improved since the internationally brokered comprehensive political settlement brought to power a democratically elected coalition Government in 1993. However, the state of the economy and security situation mean that opportunities are limited at the moment.
The British Government, through our embassy in Phnom Penh, maintain regular contacts with all British companies resident in Cambodia. The embassy regularly supports visiting British companies in their efforts to establish business links. The British chamber of commerce in Bangkok visited Cambodia last year and Cambodian officials will visit the UK in March and again later this year. An export promoter from the DTI and trade promotion staff are planning to visit Cambodia later this year to identify further opportunities for British companies wishing to establish business links.
In addition, we encourage UK companies to take advantage of the European Union programmes, such as the EC investment partners scheme, which are designed to promote links between businesses in Europe and in certain developing countries such as Cambodia.