Southern Africa: Trading Relationships

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon Excerpts

Tuesday 18th July 2017 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Sugg]

I agree with my noble friend, who speaks from his experience as the Prime Minister’s envoy to Uganda and Rwanda. Ministerial visits and delegations of course lead to improved relations and progress on commercial trade deals. I have already mentioned that my noble friend the Minister of State for Trade Policy and Rory Stewart, the Minister for Africa, were in the region last week attending the Great Lakes trade summit. The Chancellor visited South Africa last year, but there are opportunities to do more, and I will pass on my noble friend’s request.

[Baroness Royall of Blaisdon (Lab)]

My Lords, I too welcome the Minister. Are the sustainable development goals at the core of all discussions on increased trade with Africa and the rest of the Commonwealth? I very much hope that they are.

[Baroness Sugg]

I reassure the noble Baroness that the sustainable development goals are always at the core of all our discussions.