WIREDGOV

Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire is travelling to Brunei, Philippines and Burma next week to promote trade with the UK. During the visit Mr Swire will outline the vast potential in the region and what the UK has to offer.

The Minister for South East Asia will say:

"UK trade and investment with South-East Asia rivals our trade with China. That’s no accident; it is because the government and British business are tireless in their pursuit of these growing economies and because we have world class services to offer.

"The UK is proud of its reputation for excellence – from financial services to the creative industries and education, we are globally renowned for being the best. I look forward to seeing for myself the great work being done by British companies in South East Asia and hearing about the great work we are going to do."

As well as holding high level trade talks in all countries he will make a speech on trade in the Philippines to an influential business audience, and he will bring a trade delegation to Burma. Whilst in Burma he will be accompanied by representatives from a number of British firms including Norton Rose, Barclays, Mott MacDonald. They are looking at the potential to develop the country’s power sector, another area where Britain has formidable expertise and a strong track record in responsible investment practice. The development of Burma's energy sector will be critical to meet the country's current and future development. The trade delegation will offer advice on how to regulate, finance and develop the necessary skills to establish it on a sound footing.

In Brunei, the minister will have an audience with His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei to discuss security, trade and the forthcoming Brunei chairmanship of ASEAN. He will also make a speech about education, and meet HRH Prince Mohammed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In Philippines, he will Meet President Aquino to discuss trade and the Mindanao peace initiative. He will also be meeting the Philippine Foreign Secretary del Rosario, Transport and Communications Minister Abaya and Finance Minister Purisima.  Minister Swire will make a speech in Manila about the opportunities for trade between UK and the ASEAN.

In Burma, he is due to meet Minister for the President’s Office and Chair of Myanmar Investment Commission Soe Thane, Minister for the President’s Office and Chair of the Peace Commission Aung Min, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Wunna Maung Lwin. He will also meet opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at her home in Rangoon.

In Burma, in addition to the trade promotion element, Hugo Swire will discuss all aspects of the political and economic reform process as Burma continues its path towards democracy. He will also visit Rakhine state to talk to leaders from all sides about the ongoing conflict there and to meet people displaced by the violence. The minister will underline his commitment to working with all parties in Burma to help address the underlying issues and find a long term solution to the conflict.

Further information

UK in Brunei website

UK in the Philippines website

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