§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what efforts his Department is making to increase the volume of United Kingdom trade with the countries of the Caribbean; and if he will make a statement. [72630]
§ Mr. WilsonMy Department offers a full range of services, including support for trade missions and trade fairs, to British companies seeking business in the Caribbean.
During the current financial year, we have provided financial support and assistance for trade missions organised by CARITAG (to Cuba and the Dominican Republic), the Hull & East Riding Chamber of Commerce and Shipping (to Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica), the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Initiative (to Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica) and CARITAG in association with the Leicester African Caribbean Business Association (to Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Lucia and St. Vincent). We also provided financial support, under the Trade Fair Support Scheme, for a British pavilion at the Havana International Trade Fair, which took place in November 1998.
Working closely with multiplier organisations in the United Kingdom, we also arrange seminars and workshops throughout the country to promote market opportunities in the Caribbean region.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the Ministers from his Department who have visited Caribbean countries since 1 May 1997; and if he will make a statement. [72632]
§ Mr. WilsonI visited Cuba in November 1998. No other Minister from this Department has visited the Caribbean since 1 May 1997.