§ Hugh Bayley:To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how the Government intends to use the funds allocated for trade-related capacity building and technical assistance; over what period it will be spent; what support the Government will give to the G21 nations; and if he will make a statement. [131489]
§ Hilary Benn:The UK trade related capacity building programme works closely with developing countries, including those in the emerging G21 grouping, to build the skills and knowledge they require to deal with trade issues as they relate to their country's specific needs. The programme will continue to be responsive to emerging developing country concerns. These include the effects of trade-distorting subsidies on West African cotton producers and technical assistance to poorer developing countries on a range of trade-related issues.
The UK programme is delivered through a mixture of bilateral programmes with national governments; contributions to multilateral organisations working 108W on Trade-Related Capacity Building; support to governments and to the private sector. The programme is a rolling one with new initiatives agreed as earlier programmes end. Most of the £160 million allocated to Trade-Related Capacity Building since 1998 will be spent over the next five years, although one programme will not finish until 2010.
The UK TRCB programme includes:
training government officials to analyse trade issues, develop trade policy and negotiate internationally. This can also involve improving systems linked to trade, such as customs and excise;helping governments and the private sector respond to opportunities arising from the multilateral trading system as well as cope with possible negative knock on effects;making sure that trade policy takes into account the impact of trade on the lives of poor people;support to regional trade groups as they work to increase regional trade opportunities;funding to organisations in Geneva offering legal, analytical and networking support, particularly to those developing countries without representation in Geneva.
§ Angus Robertson:To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid the Department is contributing (a)directly, (b)through the EU, (c)through the UN and (d)through other organisations to the Chiapas region of Mexico. [131642]
Mr. Gareth Thomas:The Department has no bilateral programme to Mexico, nor are we contributing anything currently to the Chiapas region through the UN or other organisations. The EC are planning future support to the Chiapas region with a €15 million poverty reduction programme, the UK share being 19.7 per cent.