Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps his Department is taking to increase demand for British services and manufactured goods in non-EU unsaturated markets abroad.

Firstly, the Department for International Trade is focusing resources in those markets and sectors (not just countries) that can add the most value, based on our forecasting. We have identified a number of these markets; three quarters of which are outside of the EU. These delivery plans provide export promotion support in high priority areas, and will focus Government efforts to encourage foreign buyers to buy British. They range from pursuing rail opportunities in Southern Africa to healthcare in China; from food & drink in Australia to airports in Mexico.

Secondly, our department has inherited the GREAT Britain campaign, which showcases the best of what the UK has to offer to inspire the world and encourage people to visit, do business, invest and study in the UK. This campaign unites the efforts of the public and private sector to help generate jobs and growth for Britain. The campaign has already secured confirmed economic returns of £1.9bn for the UK. It can now be seen in 144 countries worldwide and nearly 300 cities.

The programme is designed to enable UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to take advantage of the global appetite for UK products, skills and expertise in markets around the world.

Thirdly, in order to help promote economic growth in developing countries the government has created a new cross-Whitehall Prosperity Fund worth £1.3 billion over the next 5 years. Its priorities include improving the business climate, competitiveness and operation of markets, energy and financial sector reform, and increasing the ability of governments to tackle corruption. These reforms will drive sustainable development in developing countries, and create opportunities for UK companies.

Fourthly, UK Export Finance provides a diverse range of products to ensure that no viable UK export fails for want of finance or insurance from the private sector. They have provided a total of £15bn of support over the last 5 years. These products ensure that finance is not an obstacle to British businesses being awarded contracts in markets across the world.