HL Deb 21 April 1998 vol 588 cc201-2WA
Lord Razzel

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the light of the trade opportunities for United Kingdom companies in central Asia, they have any plans to establish an embassy in Bishkek in the Kyrghiz Republic. [HL1441]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Her Majesty's Government have good bilateral relations with Kyrgyzstan and our staff in Almaty visit Bishkek regularly. We have had a small, locally-staffed office for projects funded by the Department for International Development through the Know-how Fund in Kyrgyzstan since June 1997. But the low level of bilateral trade with Kyrgyzstan does not at present justify opening an embassy in Bishkek.

There are, however, opportunities for British companies, particularly in the mining, energy, agriculture and construction sectors. The Kyrgyz Prime Minister will address the first ever Doing Business in Kyrgyzstan conference in London on 14–15 May. The Minister for Small Firms, Trade and Industry will make the welcoming address on behalf of Her Majesty's Government.