asked Her Majesty's Government:What has been the trend in Anglo-Georgian trade since 1996; what are the prospects for improvement; and whether Export Credit Guarantee cover will be made available for this business. [HL1104]

The level of UK Trade has grown since 1996 as set out in the table below.

Georgia	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000
UK imports (£m)	0.579	1.257	3.222	3.67	14.22
UK exports (£m)	3.784	12.10	20.991	14.68	12.20
Total trade (£m)	4.363	13.357	24.113	18.35	26.42

Georgia remains a relatively small market for UK goods. The outlook for trade with Georgia will depend on the economic situation and continued reform in the country. If the Baku-Tblisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline from Azerbaijan were to proceed, this would be likely to increase the level of UK goods and services to Georgia.ECGD medium/long term cover is not currently available for Georgia. ECGD continues to monitor developments in the economy.