§ 89. Mr. David EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what provision is made towards assisting British firms to exploit commercial opportunities in the Soviet Union.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe DTI in conjunction with the Foreign Office, offers a wide range of services to help United Kingdom exporters sell more overseas, including the Soviet Union. Through the export service initiative, we provide practical assistance, advice and support for exporters at each stage of the exporting process. Approximately 150 trade inquiries about the Soviet Union are received by the DTI each week.
638WThe Government also support 14 joint British/Soviet working groups covering several different industrial sectors, including agriculture, energy, healthcare and chemicals. They provide a framework in which United Kingdom companies can meet their Soviet counterparts and develop mutually beneficial opportunities. Companies are also represented on ministerial visits in each direction and at intergovernmental meetings such as the annual joint commission on trade and economic co-operation.