Export Initiatives (Hansard, 18 July 1996)

§ Mr. Nelson

[holding answer 17 July 1996]: Through the overseas trade services organisation the Government spend more than £200 million a year on a wide range of export promotion services and support helping to secure business of UK companies across the world. For the markets of the middle east and the far east, my Department is supporting an extensive programme of trade missions, trade fairs, exhibitions, seminars, sectoral and market promotions, and is planning ministerial and other high-level visits with accompanying business delegations. Examples of initiatives include:

(a) Middle east.

A major exhibition in Bahrain in February 1997 to highlight British design excellence.

A programme of Gulf update conferences through the UK to promote the Gulf as an export destination and to market the 14 DTI supported trade missions to the Gulf between autumn 1996 and spring 1997.

A series of initiatives to encourage British business women to visit the Gulf and to access the extensive network of Arab women who own businesses in the region. My Department took a team of British business women to Saudi Arabia in March—to demonstrate that women can do business there.

The Israel-Britain Business Council, a new forum for business, has been established and has now held its second meeting.

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(b) Far east.

Visits in September by the President of the Board of Trade to China, by myself to east Asia, and by Lord Fraser to south-east Asia, all with UK business delegations.

Hosting the meeting of the Singapore British Business Group in October in the UK and supporting the first meeting of the British Philippines business group in Manila in September.

Working with UK business to set up a British industrial centre in Japan, where British businesses can share facilities.

Running a regular programme of "Key Contacts Japan" events where high-level UK-based Japanese contacts are introduced to quality British manufacturers.

Supporting UK participation in over 100 trade fairs and trade missions throughout the region over the next six to nine months.