Business Bolton

Business Secretary visits south-east Asia to strengthen trade relationship

The Business Secretary, Vince Cable, begins a week long visit to South East Asia today to deepen trade ties and open up further opportunities for British companies to invest in this dynamic region and support UK growth.

Starting in Singapore, one of the UK's largest export markets, and moving on to two significant emerging markets in Indonesia and Vietnam, Vince Cable will be meeting with British businesses and ministerial counterparts to improve market access, agree further collaboration in areas of British expertise such as research and development, and promote the UK as a leading destination for foreign investment.

Vince Cable said:

"Strong trade relationships are a key element of the govt's growth plan as we build a more balanced economy based on investment and exports.

The markets that I'm visiting in South East Asia are all enjoying impressive growth rates and offer good investment and export opportunities for British businesses both large and small. I hope that my visit will cement the UK's position as a serious presence in the region."

In Singapore, the Business Secretary will:

Sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Lim Hng Kiang to launch the UK-Singapore Business Partnership. This will provide a framework to maximise business opportunities, increase co-operation on R&D and share best practice.

Attend the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National University of Singapore and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. This will create a new regional hub for public health research, training and innovation.

Deliver a speech at the Singapore Energy summit to promote the UK's reputation as a business partner for tackling climate change.

In Indonesia, the Business Secretary will:

Take part in the topping out ceremony of World Trade Centre 11, designed and developed in partnership by British and Indonesian companies. It is the first certified green building in Jakarta's Central Business District.

Attend a Higher Education policy dialogue to encourage greater research cooperation between the UK and Indonesia.

Announce the establishment of the UK ASEAN Business Council, to help increase our levels of trade with ASEAN markets and encourage businesses of all sizes to develop business in these markets.

In Vietnam, the Secretary of State will:

Attend a reception to mark the inauguration of direct flights between the UK and Vietnam starting in December. This will provide a significant boost to trade, making it easier for Vietnamese and British companies to do business with each other and strengthening our educational and cultural links.

Attend an event to mark the successful launch of Premier Oil's ‘First Oil Project, the largest British-led investment in Vietnam with a value of almost £800 million.

Open the fifth JETCO (Joint Economic and Trade Committee) meeting in Hanoi to address ongoing market access issues and trade barriers. Previous meetings have produced valuable outcomes such as direct flights, reduced tariffs and improved visa processing.

Ways to get in touch

NDS Enquiries

ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk