HC Deb 24 October 1994 vol 248 cc433-4W
Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action is being taken by his Department to encourage investment in China.

Mr. Goodlad

The British embassy in Peking, the consulate-general in Shanghai and the China trade unit in Hong Kong work closely with the DTI and the China Britain trade group to provide advice and information to British companies on the Chinese market. When, for example, the largest trade mission ever organised by the China Britain trade group visited China in September, one component specifically studied industrial investment opportunities with the help and support of our posts there.

Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which British industries by turnover are most active in China.

Mr. Goodlad

Total United Kingdom exports to China in 1993 increased by 72 per cent. over the previous year. The principal United Kingdom exports by industrial sectors were:

£ million
Specialised machinery 111
Power generating equipment 106
General industrial machinery and equipment 80
Other transport equipment 74
Telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment 70
Iron and steel 42
Metal working machinery 38
Professional, scientific and controlling equipment 29
Organic chemicals 25
Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances 25

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