§ 24. Ms QuinTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what new measures he is proposing to take to increase trade between the United Kingdom and eastern Europe.
§ Mr. NeedhamMy Department already provides a range of services to encourage greater trade between the United Kingdom and eastern Europe, including the former Soviet Union. The measures include support for outward missions—sometimes led ministerially—and participation in overseas trade fairs as well as the provision of general and specific information and advice about the markets and the opportunities in them.
The major reorganisation of DTI export services earlier this year has enhanced the services provided by the Department. Each of the six major markets in eastern Europe—those in the United Kingdom's list of the top 80 United Kingdom export markets—is now served by a dedicated desk officer. In addition, five of the export promoters—private sector secondees—taken on by the Department are already working closely with the relevant market branch to help United Kingdom companies find business in the region.
A detailed list of all DTI assistance to exporters is included in the British Overseas Trade Board annual report 1992–93. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House.