§ Sir Alastair GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress her Department has made towards negotiating a bilateral trade and development agreement including a free trade area with the Republic of South Africa; and if she will make a statement. [38337]
§ Mr. FoulkesThe UK Presidency is working for early conclusion of a Trade and Co-operation Agreement between South Africa and the European Union which best meets the needs of South Africa and her neighbours as well as the EU. Both sides hope for an agreement by mid-year. Negotiators from the European Commission and South Africa will hold the next round of discussions later this month.