§ Huw Irranca-DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to improve trade between the United Arab Emirates and the UK. [168573]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe UK has a substantial trading relationship with the UAE. UK exports of visible goods to the UAE totalled £2,080.6 million in 2003, an increase of 29 per cent. over the previous year. UK Trade and Investment works closely with all Posts in the country (in Abu Dhabi and Dubai) to support British companies wishing to expand their activities in this market. For example, there are plans to support 35 exhibitions and trade mission to the UAE this financial year. This will allow over 1,200 UK companies to access the market with UK Government support.
UK Trade and Investment has also worked with industry to identify eight priority sectors in which bespoke sector specific activities will be undertaken.