HL Deb 19 March 1996 vol 570 cc94-5WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proportion of foreign investment in Myanmar comes from the United Kingdom.

Lord Fraser of Carmyllie

According to our estimates, direct investment from the UK makes up 1 per cent. of total foreign investment in Burma (at 31/12/95).

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the United Kingdom invested more than any foreign country in Myanmar.

Lord Fraser of Carmyllie

According to statistics released by the Myanmar Foreign Investment Commission, the UK is recorded as being the largest foreign investor from 1988 to the end of 1995. However, the statistics note that this figure includes investment from enterprises incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and Bermuda. According to our estimates only 4.5 per cent. of the sum accredited to the UK has come directly from the UK.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is their policy to promote United Kingdom investment in Myanmar.

Lord Fraser of Carmyllie

It is not our policy actively to promote British investment into Burma at the present time. However, the DTI will continue to provide information to business enquirers about investment issues and the associated risks.