A vital relationship, says minister

BRITAIN in the Pacific

(Message from the British Minister for Trade, Mr Richard Needham MR) I VERY much welcome this opportunity to make a contribution to Pacific Islands Monthly’s special supplement on Britain’s trading relationship with the South Pacific islands.

Let me say at the outset that I consider this relationship to be a very important one. Two-way trade in 1993 amounted to over 200 million pounds and Britain remains a very important market for a number of islands in the region, especially Fiji, which sends the bulk of its sugar exports to the UK. This is to say nothing of our investment

relationship with the region which, particularly with Papua New Guinea, now amounts to over 500 million pounds.

But we must not rest on our laurels.

The potential for expansion of trade is considerable and British companies must bring their experience, knowledge and competitiveness to bear. As Minis ter for Trade, I shall be working hard to ensure that more UK companies get out to the region to see the opportunities for themselves. I say this not just for reasons of sentiment or because we share a common history, but becauses the South Pacific islands form part of the most economically dynamic region in the world in which sustainable development and change are the key note themes.

Needham: trade minister