Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

International Trade: Business Opportunities for Women

Wednesday 21 October 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Heather Wheeler asked about steps to increase business opportunities for women through international trade.
  • The Minister highlighted a potential economic impact of 250 billion if women started and scaled businesses at the same rate as men.
  • The Minister mentioned appointing a trade envoy to promote opportunities for women and everyone through free trade agreements with Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Heather Wheeler Con
Business & Trade Women & Equalities
Context

The question arises from the need to address economic disparities between men and women. A report suggests that up to £250 billion could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled businesses at the same rate as men.

Question

What steps she is taking to increase business opportunities for women through international trade. This question addresses the potential economic impact of equalising business start-up rates between genders, highlighting a £250 billion opportunity in the UK economy.

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

As much as £250 billion could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled businesses at the same rate as men. I am determined that trade should play its part in opening up greater opportunities for women, both in the UK and across the world.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or commitments related to increasing business opportunities for women through international trade were not detailed

How: General Statement About Opportunity

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Q2 Heather Wheeler Con
Business & Trade Women & Equalities
Context

The question builds on the previous discussion about enhancing international trade opportunities for women. It specifically inquires about leveraging existing relationships with South-East Asian countries to foster more trading prospects.

Question

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Can she tell me what the UK will do to build on our close ties with Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to expand trading opportunities, especially for women, particularly given Vietnam's membership of the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership?

Answer from Elizabeth Truss

First, we have appointed a splendid trade envoy for those three countries, who is going to do a brilliant job promoting opportunities for women and everyone through free trade agreements. My hon. Friend is absolutely right: CPTPP contains important provisions to open up trade for women, and of course Vietnam is a key part of that agreement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete actions or commitments regarding expanding trading opportunities for women were not specified; instead, praise was given to the appointed envoy without details.

How: General Statement About Trade Envoy, Praise

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