HL Deb 13 February 1991 vol 526 cc8-9WA
Baroness Ewart-Biggs

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to promote trade and investment in Vietnam; and what was Britain's balance of trade with Vietnam for 1989–90, and the anticipated figures for 1990–91.

The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Hesketh)

Through the British Overseas Trade Board and its South East Asia Advisory Group the DTI offers a wide range of services to assist United Kingdom firms to pursue trade and investment opportunities in Vietnam. These include briefing seminars, other market information and financial support for United Kingdom companies visiting Vietnam as part of DTI-sponsored trade missions or exhibitions.

United Kingdom s Balance of Trade with Vietnam
£ million
1989 1990
United Kingdom Exports 4.11 5.80
United Kingdom Imports 1.71 1.44
Balance +2.40 +4.36

Source: Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom, HMSO.

According to the Vietnamese Government the United Kingdom is currently the largest foreign investor in Vietnam, mainly in the oil and gas sector.