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Dept for International Development

Answer

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will list the official initiatives in (a) the UK and (b) the EU to boost export opportunities for developing countries; and if he will make a statement. [215943] Mr. Gareth Thomas: The European Commission is responsible for EU member states' trade policies, including import policies. As part of this, the EU as a whole operates a series of preferential import arrangements with all developing country partners, either on a bilateral, regional or multilateral basis, including arrangements under the Cotonou Agreement, the Generalised System of Preferences, and the Everything But Arms Initiative. All of these have as part of their objectives the aim of improving the export competitiveness of developing countries and helping them take advantage of trading opportunities through privileged access to EU markets. In addition, the European Commission has recently launched an improved version of its "Expanding Exports Helpdesk", aimed at boosting developing country exports to the EU by giving exporters in these countries all the practical information and advice they need. In addition, the UK and EU provide support through its Trade Related Capacity Building (TRCB) Programmes. The UK has committed a total of £109 million since 1998 to building the skills and knowledge developing countries need to develop their trading capabilities, almost three quarters of which is aimed at helping small businesses export both regionally and internationally. The UK provides this support to increase the volume and value of developing country exports, including widening their range of exports and selling in a wider range of markets. For example, in Southern Africa, the UK is funding a £12 million programme to boost export opportunities for small-scale farmers and traders by developing common standards across goods and services in the region and improving customs procedures. We are also funding a £2 million programme in Kenya, which is supporting the business and investment climate there, in order to strengthen Kenyan capacity to export goods to regional and international markets. The UK is also funding a £17 million programme which will enable small enterprises from Nigeria to access new commodity and services markets--including international markets. Additionally, we contribute to European TRCB efforts, which have provided £675 million to develop the exports of developing countries since 2001.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

215943; 431 c375-6W;431 c376-7W

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Developing countries Exports EU action EU external trade Small businesses Trade agreements Agricultural products Generalised system of preferences Preferential tariffs

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk