§ Mr. JenkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the Department's assessment is of the economic development effects of the opening of the border between Turkey and Armenia for(a) Turkey and (b) the Caucasus states. [172505]
Mr. Gareth ThomasDFID has not made a detailed assessment of possible economic benefits of the opening of the border between Turkey and Armenia. In general, the opening of borders between states tends to lead to improved trade and economic growth. DFID's bilateral programme for the region promotes good-governance, conflict reduction and pro-poor economic growth. Successful implementation of these programmes will have a positive impact on the wider issues of cross border co-operation and trade.