"South East Asia is the engine for economic growth in the world"
Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne visits Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Hong Kong.
As Britain鈥檚 engagement with Asia moves to a new level, Foreign Office Minister for South East Asia Jeremy Browne will be continuing the UK鈥檚 unprecedented engagement with the region this year by visiting Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Hong Kong.
Mr Browne said:
鈥溁使谔逵齛pp UK exports more to ASEAN members than we do to China. 皇冠体育appy are key partners to securing Britain鈥檚 prosperity and as world-leader in education, low carbon technology and financial services we are determined to build on that partnership over the next five years.
鈥淏usiness development and civil rights go hand in hand and it is good to see that many ASEAN countries are reaching turning points in their domestic and international political development. We will be encouraging these emerging powers to realise their potential as strong forces for good on the international stage, as they tackle challenges at home concerning governance, corruption and human rights.
鈥溁使谔逵齛pp London Olympics begin this month and I wish to extend the UK鈥檚 welcome to athletes from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Hong Kong who will be competing this summer.鈥�
In Thailand, where the UK is the leading EU investor, Mr Browne will meet the deputy PM; in Cambodia, where preparations for ASEAN鈥檚 Annual Regional Forum are underway, he will meet the Prime Minister and deliver a key note speech on regional power; in Vietnam he will take forward a formal 鈥榓ction plan鈥� for co-operation; and in Hong Kong he will make a speech on Business and Human Rights, have a chance to meet the newly elected administration, and meet Olympic and Paralympic athletes.