Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Bob Blizzard (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 5 June 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

UK/Brazil Economic and Trade Committee

Question: I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. I welcome the establishment of the Jetco because Brazil is one of the world’s four really big emerging economies and probably the one on which we have focused less than the other three. I am advised that there are real opportunities for British companies in Brazil’s high-quality expanding aerospace industry and in its programme of developing energy infrastructure and tourism infrastructure. What encouragement and support is my right hon. Friend giving to British companies so that they do not leave those opportunities to the French, Germans and Italians?

Answer: I am grateful to my hon. Friend both for his question and for his interest. UK Trade and Investment has transferred more than £5 million of its resources from existing mature markets to focus on emerging markets, including Brazil. As a result, six additional offices have been added to UKTI’s network in Brazil. So undoubtedly there is a determination at government level to assist British companies in increasing their exports to Brazil. I am delighted to be able to say that exports from the United Kingdom to Brazil increased by some 9.5 per cent. in 2006 over 2005.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 461 c125
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Committees Energy Economic situation Overseas trade Trade Tourism Aerospace industry Brazil
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk