§ 33. Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to strengthen United Kingdom relations with Japan.
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§ Mr. GoodladRelations with Japan are excellent. We intend to maintain the momentum of regular ministerial and other visits. Subject to final confirmation from the Japanese Government, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs plans to visit Tokyo in April. The Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Foreign Secretary will visit Tokyo in July for the economic summit. Both Governments actively encourage a range of cultural, educational, scientific and academic exchanges to expand knowledge of each other's societies. We warmly welcome Japanese investment in this country. The meeting in Japan next month of the UK-Japan 2000 Group will continue the valuable contribution made by that group. Trading relations have greatly improved under the impetus of the Opportunity and Priority Japan campaigns, but both sides recognise the need to address the growing imbalance.