§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on her trade visit to Japan; and how many contracts for British companies resulted. [7682]
§ Mrs. Beckett[holding answer 10 July 1997]: I visited Japan from 26–28 May. This was my first overseas visit as President of the Board of Trade and the first by a member of this Government to Japan. My purpose was to underline the importance we attach to close bilateral relationship we have with Japan. I met a wide variety of Japanese industrialists and spoke at a number of high-level events designed to promote further Japanese investment and trade.
My early visit was warmly welcomed by the Japanese government and business community.