999-140
BBB
Ish Overseas Trade Board
IN CONFIDENCE
kept very busy eg on tariff work but there was perhaps less pressu on other staff. Project business and collaboration at Government level were important. Commercial departments were heavily committe in India in terms of numbers although costs were low.
25
It was for consideration whether, in view of the limited scope for signfiicant trade expansion, the resources devoted to the area were not greater than could be justified within resources available.
CONCLUSIONS
26
Given the Board policy, noted in paragraph 2 above, of providing (within the resources available) its services to all companies and in all markets it is clear that there is only very limited room for manoeuvre.
The key question that emerges is whether we should continue (and possibly emphasise further) our current strategy of concentrating resources (beyond those needed to maintain a primarily responsive service) on the major markets and those with greatest potential. The alternative would be to seek a more even distribution of resources, at the expense primarily of our major markets.
27
The conclusion of the assessment is that the current strateg: is on the right lines, but should be developed further. There is an immediate need to reinforce the Exports to Europe Branch if it is to respond adequately to the expanding opportunities for British exporters in Western Europe, and in particular carry through "Focus Germany". In view of the timescale arrangements are in hand to create two new posts there. Similarly a strong case exists for some limited reinforcement of Exports to North America Branch. In both cases additional posts in these branches can only be created by finding offsetting savings elsewhere. Areas where such savings might be found (noted earlier in the paper) include Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. In addition it is proposed that a vacancy in the East European Branch should not be filled.
28
The allocation of FCO staff resources is a matter for FCO Ministers. But the FCO, who have been fully involved in the Market Assessment Exercise, are taking account of its conclusions in their own planning.