Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what progress has been made on concluding UK-Ethiopia bilateral trade agreement; when he expects that agreement to be laid before Parliament for approval; and if he will make a statement to the House when that agreement is so laid.

The UK-Ethiopia Bilateral Investment Treaty was signed in Addis Ababa on the 19 November 2009. For the treaty to enter into force, both parties must complete their respective constitutional procedures and then formally exchange instruments of ratification. Neither the UK nor Ethiopia has ratified the treaty. Ratification of the treaty by the UK would take place under the procedures set out in the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act, whereby the treaty and an explanatory memorandum would be laid before both Houses for 21 sitting days. No decision has yet been taken on a timetable to ratify the treaty.