Government leads exports push in developing countries
“DFID will work not just across government with the Business Department and the Foreign Office, “ Ms Greening will say.
“For the first time we will be teaming up with the CBI, industry and others to see how we can help UK businesses make a difference for developing countries.” The speech is expected to name companies including Unilever and Waitrose.
The barriers to more successful exports Ms Greening will refer to include tax regimes, stability of business environment, as well as infrastructure and logistical support.
Sources pointed to the Government’s existing work with British mining companies in Afghanistan, including a drinks reception at Number 10 Downing Street last Wednesday evening, attended by David Cameron, the Prime Minister, and Afghanistan’s Minister of Mines.
DFID has announced a new £10m, three year programme to support the Ministry of Mines’ work to negotiate, let, manage and monitor contracts, as well as the appointment of a dedicated UKTI expert to helped UK companies source investment opportunities in the country.
Those same sources however denied newspaper reports over the weekend that Ms Greening would use the LSE speech to say that part of the Governments £11bn aid budget will be channelled through companies rather than direct to countries.
A DFID spokesman said: “DFID will ramp up work with businesses to remove the hurdles to responsible investment in the developing world.”