§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to encourage trade between Scotland and(a) Australia, (b) Canada, (c) New Zealand and (d) the United States of America; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 5 February 19931: My right hon. Friend established Scottish Trade International in December 1991 in order to offer Scottish companies one-door access to the wide range of export services and assistance available from the Scottish Office and Scottish Enterprise. These include the Government's overseas trade services (OTS) which STI promote and administer in Scotland on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry. OTS can assist companies enter the markets of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA. Complementing OTS, STI has its own north American business development programme.
In addition, particular events and promotions are planned. This month STI is co-operating with the Australia and New Zealand Trade Advisory Committee in the organisation of a seminar on the Australian and New 557W Zealand markets. STI will also participate in a campaign to be launched in March which will aim to increase sales into the north American market.