HC Deb 31 July 1997 vol 299 cc627-8W
30. Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans she has to develop Britain's trading relationship with India. [10055]

Mrs. Beckett

I have already made clear my strong commitment to strengthening the Indo-British partnership. A major trade exhibition—Towards 2000—is being held in October this year at the time of the state visit of HM the Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. I will be visiting India myself later in the year. A promotional campaign is also planned in the UK to raise awareness of the opportunities in India among small to medium companies. I am confident that this activity will contribute significantly to meeting the target of £5 billion that has been set for two-way trade by 2000.