Written question asked by Maria Fyfe (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 June 1997. It was answered by Derek Fatchett (Labour) on Thursday, 19 June 1997 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: Statement on the Government's trade promotion policy towards Burma.

Answer: Mrs. Fyfe: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's trade promotion policy towards Burma. [4898] Mr. Fatchett: We will not provide any financial support to companies for trade missions to Burma or for trade promotion activities within Burma until there is progress towards democratic reform and respect for human rights in Burma. Officials in the UK and at the British Embassy in Rangoon will continue to provide British companies with routine advice about doing business in Burma. Wherever possible such advice will make clear the present realities in Burma, including the political and human rights situation and the state of the economy. It will also draw to businessmen's attention statements by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other pro-democracy leaders discouraging trade and investment in Burma. We shall encourage our EU partners to take similar action.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4898; 296 c251W;296 c253W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Central government Democracy Human rights Grants EU external trade Overseas trade Myanmar Trade missions Trade promotion