§ 17. Mr. DykesTo ask the president of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on his recent trade mission to the People's Republic of China; and if he will list the increase in United Kingdom export orders arising from the mission. [26820]
§ Mr. HeseltineThe mission to China was an outstanding commercial success. It was the latest trade mission to leave the United Kingdom. The 130 companies which participated had a combined turnover well in excess of £75 billion.
My discussions with senior Chinese leaders confirmed the enormous potential for British business in China.
Companies signed over £1 billion of business in the lead up to and during the mission. I have arranged for a detailed list to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.