The Gulf

HC Deb 08 March 1991 vol 187 c304W

Mr. Speller

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what address smaller firms in the construction and in the catering equipment industry should address their inquiries for supply of goods and services to Kuwait and the Gulf states.

Mr. Sainsbury

[holding answer 7 March 1991]: All inquiries on project business should be directed to the DTI's projects and export policy division in 1–19 Victoria street London SW1. Telephone [phone].

All other inquiries should be made to the Kuwait desk in the DTI's overseas trade division. Telephone [phone]. (Address as above).

Mr. Speller

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to introduce smaller specialist United Kingdom companies and skilled persons to the purchasing authorities in Kuwait and the Gulf states.

Mr. Sainsbury

[holding answer 7 March 1991]: The Government of Kuwait have been made aware of the range of experience and capabilities available from British industry in the prospectus presented to them during the visit to Ta'if last month of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary with senior business men. At this early stage in the reconstruction of Kuwait it is not possible to advise on opportunities for supplying specific goods and services. My Department is keeping a list of companies which have expressed interest in opportunities in Kuwait and will provide relevant information through the export intelligence service (EIS) when it becomes available. Companies that do not already subscribe to the EIS are advised to do so and to ask to be profiled for Kuwait. Smaller firms should register their interest with the Crown Agents and should also explore the possibilities for sub-contracting to larger companies with experience in the Gulf. Companies which formerly had agents in Kuwait should seek to re-establish contact with them or with agents in other Gulf markets. The normal export services of my Department remain available to assist exporters to other Gulf markets. Persons seeking emloyment in Kuwait should register their interest with the Employment Service overseas placing unit in Sheffield.