Search Results

1-2 of 2 results for subject:"Preferential tariffs"

Show detailed: On Off

Results: 10 20 50 100

Sort by: Newest first Oldest first

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.

Asked by

Angus Robertson (Scottish National Party)

Answering body

Department for International Development

Type

Written questions

Status

Answered

Tabled on

7 February 2005

For answer on

21 February 2005

Answered on

21 February 2005

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.

Date

21 February 2005

Reference

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

House

House of Commons

Lords debate on unstarred question on what action Her Majesty's Government plan to take to safeguard the interests of Caribbean banana growers

Lords debate on unstarred question on what action Her Majesty's Government plan to take to safeguard the interests of Caribbean banana growers.

Lead member

Lord Newby

Answering member

Lord Evans of Temple Guiting

Department

Department of Trade and Industry

Type

Questions for short debate

Date

14 January 2005

Reference

668 c515-30

House

House of Lords

Librarians' tools

Type

House

Session

Month

Department

Member

Primary member

Answering member

Legislative stage

Legislation

Subject

Publisher