§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what initiatives he has taken to facilitate aerospace sales abroad. [36060]
§ Mr. NelsonThe Department of Trade and Industry actively pursues its responsibilities to promote the United Kingdom's civil aerospace industry overseas. We support and fund missions by sector trade associations to important overseas markets, particularly in the US and the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region. Ministers also take opportunities to promote aerospace initiatives during their visits overseas. Aerospace companies use the market information and help available through the DTI's geographical market desks and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's overseas posts. The DTI's aerospace and defence industries directorate also supports the industry and its trade associations in their overseas efforts. For some key markets, there are export promoters, seconded from industry, who focus on helping aerospace companies to develop their overseas business.