HC Deb 19 September 2003 vol 410 cc1080-1W
Mrs. Ann Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on bilateral trade relations with(a) India, (b) Bangladesh and (c) Pakistan. [131009]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

Trade relations between the UK and the South Asia markets are strong.

India, Pakistan and Bangladesh provide a wide range of business opportunities for UK companies. Trade Partners UK and Invest UK, the two operating arms of British Trade International (BTI), deliver a package of services to British and South Asian companies wishing to do business with each other.

BTI teams in our High Commission offices in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and in the English regions are available to provide support and advice to British companies wishing to do business with all three countries.

In 2002 the value of the United Kingdom's bilateral trade (in goods) with the three markets was:

£million
UK exports UK imports Total
India 1,768 1,870 3,638
Bangladesh 68 482 550
Pakistan 234 488 722

Note:

Figures for trade in services in 2002 are currently unavailable.