§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's policy on promotion of United Kingdom trade in developing countries. [63849]
§ Clare ShortWe believe that increasing trade in the poorest countries will contribute to economic growth and poverty elimination. The Department for International Development (DFID) works to improve the trading environment by encouraging open markets, good regulation, reduced corruption and strong education and health systems.
We support specific trade and investment initiatives where there is a clear development outcome. For example DFID is promoting links between UK small and medium enterprises and small businesses in South Africa.