House of Lords written question – answered at on 18 March 2013.
Baroness Goudie
Labour
To ask Her Majesty's Government what meetings Ministers have held with British companies in which Burma was discussed.
Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Since the suspension of EU sanctions in April 2012, the British Government have made a commitment to promoting responsible trade and investment in support of Burma's democratic reform process.
UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) organised two trade missions to the market in 2012. The July multi-sector mission was led by Lord Marland and my Right Honourable Friend the Minister of State (South-East Asia/Far East, India and Nepal, Latin America, Falklands, Australasia and Pacific, Commonwealth) led a delegation of UK power companies in December.
My Right Honourable friend the Minister of State, Department for International Development and my right Honourable Friend the Minister of State (South-East Asia/Far East, India and Nepal, Latin America, Falklands, Australasia and Pacific, Commonwealth) attended the November Wilton Park conference, "Burma/Myanmar, Business and Human Rights: Setting Standards for Responsible Business", at which a number of British and international company representatives were present. They welcomed the Minister for the President's Office to the UK and discussed the benefits that responsible investment can bring to Burma.
Where companies have expressed interest in Burma Ministers have been able to refer them to the UKTI office which opened in Rangoon in July 2012 and which offers practical support and advice to British companies interested in investing in the country.
Yes1 person thinks so
No1 person thinks not
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