Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Trade with Zimbabwe

Thursday 7 March 2024 · 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Laurence Robertson inquired about steps to increase trade with Zimbabwe.
  • The Government expressed pleasure over Robertson's visit as part of the inaugural trade mission.
  • The embassy is preparing for the Zimbabwe international trade fair in April, expecting strong UK participation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Laurence Robertson Con
Business & Trade
Context

The MP notes his role as the Prime Minister's trade envoy to Angola, Zambia and Ethiopia. He mentions an inaugural trade mission to Zimbabwe by members of the Westminster Africa Business Group.

Question

What steps she is taking to increase trade with Zimbabwe. The Government were pleased that my hon. Friend visited Zimbabwe on the group's inaugural trade mission. That is part of the Government's work to promote opportunities for UK companies, particularly in critical minerals, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

Answer from Greg Hands

The Government were pleased that my hon. Friend visited Zimbabwe on the group's inaugural trade mission. That is part of the Government's work to promote opportunities for UK companies, particularly in critical minerals, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps taken to increase trade were not detailed

How: Part Of The Government'S Work

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Q2 Laurence Robertson Con
Foreign Affairs Business & Trade
Context

The MP met with the President and other Ministers in Zimbabwe, who expressed a desire to move forward and increase friendship and trade links with the UK. The MP seeks further actions by the Government to promote opportunities for UK companies.

Question

I am grateful to the Minister for that response. On my visit to Zimbabwe in January, I met the President and a number of other Ministers. They made it very clear that they wanted to draw a line under the past, move forward and increase friendship—and, indeed, trade links—with this country. What more can the Government do to enlighten companies and businesses in the UK about the many opportunities in Zimbabwe?

Answer from Greg Hands

I thank my hon. Friend for his report and letter to me all about that. I am pleased with the high-level meetings he had on his recent visit and a lot of the media coverage. Our embassy is following up by preparing for the Zimbabwe international trade fair in April, and it is expecting a strong UK presence. My hon. Friend's return visit in April will be a perfect chance to progress the deals that we have and boost British investment for this year and beyond.

Answered
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