Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 29 March 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 April 2017. It was answered by Greg Hands (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 April 2017 on behalf of the Department for International Trade.

Trade: South East Asia

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what discussions his Department has had with the governments of Singapore and Malaysia on future investment and trade deals; and what assessment he has made of the opportunities available to UK businesses in those countries.

Answer: Over the last six months Department for International Trade, Ministers and senior officials have visited Singapore and Malaysia to discuss and reaffirm our strong bilateral economic and trade relationships, including a refresh of our Economic and Business Partnership with Singapore and promoting trade and investment opportunities with both countries. Singapore, Malaysia and the wider SE Asia region offer substantial opportunities to UK companies. The Department has identified high value opportunities in aerospace, defence and security, transport infrastructure (particularly rail), education and technology sectors, with strong demand for financial and business services. Officials will continue to evaluate opportunities in healthcare, renewables and other sectors as they emerge.

Secondary information