§ Jeremy CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what support her Department has 1075W offered to BP for its exploration activities in Colombia; and what meetings have been held with company representatives in the last six month [157711]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThrough the British embassy in Bogota, in particular, UK Trade and Investment offers a range of services to UK exporters and to UK investors in Colombia. While London based officials have had little contact with BP there, officials in Bogota have regular contact with the company (the largest foreign investor in Colombia) on a range of issues of mutual interest. In October 2003, the embassy's First Secretary (Trade and Investment) made an introductory call on the new company president offering support to their activities in Colombia and, in February, the ambassador hosted a dinner, offered to the Minister of Mines and Energy where BP's president, and heads of other British companies were present.
Further meetings at various levels will continue to be held with BP over the coming months.