To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to promote trade and cultural links with the Overseas Territories and Members of the Commonwealth in the Caribbean.

The British Government is keen to promote trade and cultural links between the UK and both the Overseas Territories and the Commonwealth

Caribbean. We believe there are considerable opportunities for British business particularly in the energy (both hydrocarbons and renewable), fisheries, agriculture, education and tourism sectors. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is working closely with the Department for Trade and Investment (UKTI) to ensure that UK companies are aware of the opportunities available.

We plan to hold a business event in London in November to bring together UK companies and representatives from the Overseas Territories.

In the Commonwealth Caribbean, the Department for International Development-funded Compete Caribbean Initiative supports growth and development of the private sector. The FCO and UKTI are working together on a regional approach to increase trade links.

We are proud of the strong cultural and people to people links between the UK and the region. The 2012 Olympics and Paralympics highlighted the close ties between the Caribbean and the UK in tourism, trade, sport and arts.