Oral Answers to Questions

Mark Prisk Excerpts

Thursday 15th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

A very alluring prospect, to be accomplished by the right hon. Gentleman probably not without sweat or emotion.

[Mr Mark Prisk (Hertford and Stortford) (Con)]

Many countries are using non-tariff barriers to block global trade. However, as the Secretary of State is well aware, in countries such as Brazil we are now seeing real progress in the removal of local content regulations. What more can be done to encourage other countries to follow this example?

[Dr Fox]

I thank my hon. Friend for his work as our trade envoy to Brazil. I was extremely impressed in the meetings I had last week in that country that we are now seeing major attempts not only to open up markets, but to deal with endemic corruption. That corruption is one of the biggest single barriers to trade, and, as the World Bank has made clear, improved governance is a major improvement in the potential for trade.