TNAG-0596-FCO40-743-Policy-of-HM-Government-towards-remaining-Dependent-Territor-1977 — Page 20

RESTRICTED

- 3 -

DSR 11C

Overseas Development reminded the Committee of the work of

the DCIOO which was established in 1973/74 in order to carry

on behalf of all Ide's.

out this functio

ction It provides developing countries'

exporters with information on market opportunities and buyers

in the UK with advice on the products available in developing

countries. It also acts as a contact and information point

for businessmen and trade representatives from developing

countries and handles inward trade missions to the UK from

developing countries financed and sponsored under the EEC

Trade Promotion budget. It is situated in the London Chamber

of Commerce, with which it acts in close co-ordination, and is

financed by the ODM (£63,000 this financial year). The

Committee were much impressed by it when they took evidence

from its chief executives. They do however think that its

scope and scale should be expanded, but there are no plans for

this at present.

5.

Developing countries, including in theory Dependencies, can also make use of the UNCTAD/GATT International Trade Centre in Geneva which provides information, advice and train-

ing on export markets and marketing techniques. The ODM also

finances export promotion courses at Manchester University

for developing country officials, and provides technical

co-operation for the improvement and expansion of marketing

capability, which it regards as an important factor in the

development of the economies of the poorer ldcs, including the

Dependencies.

RESTRICTED