§ Jane GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Britain's relations with Armenia. [35756]
§ Mr. Doug HendersonWe enjoy excellent relations with Armenia. A British Embassy opened in Yerevan in July 1995 and we hope to increase the number of staff later this year. Although UK exports to Armenia increased 86% from 1996 to 1997, we are not satisfied with the relatively low level of trade and the DTI continues to encourage more British companies to export goods and services. In January this year, the Embassy held a very 99W successful British Week, which coincided with a small trade mission. As well as providing substantial humanitarian aid, a programme of technical assistance through the Know How Fund has operated for a number of years.