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German Democratic Republic

Volume 168: debated on Thursday 8 March 1990

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To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to encourage the expansion of trade with the German Democratic Republic.

My Department continues to encourage the expansion of trade with the GDR and to make available the full range of its assistance to British exporters. We are taking particular care to ensure that up to date information is available to British industry about the economic changes in the market and about opportunities for business and investment. Recent and future events include: (i) an important seminar on 6 February organised with the CBI, at which the GDR deputy Trade Minister outlined the proposed legislative changes to enable the country to move towards a free economy. This was attended by over 60 British business men, who also had the opportunity of discussions with representatives of 10 industrial enterprises accompanying their Minister; (ii) participation by 100 companies in the Leipzig spring fair, which my noble Friend the Minister for Trade will visit; (iii) substantial participation of British companies in the annual meeting of the United Kingdom-GDR joint commission, which will take place in the GDR.