Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps the Government is taking to promote trade between the UK and the least-developed countries.

In June we announced that on leaving the EU, we will secure existing duty-free access to UK markets for around 48 Least Developed Countries. Once we have left, we will seek to strengthen existing support and seize new opportunities to increase trade links. Additionally, the UK’s aid programmes encourage economic growth, helping to ensure that this growth improves conditions for those living in poverty.

UK Export Finance has appetite to support UK exports to 41 Least Developed Countries. Following the 2016 Autumn Statement, it has increased the support it has available for 6 of these countries, and will be reviewing its support for others.