HM Treasury News Release
133/97                                        3 November 1997
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   A HEALTHY EXPORT SECTOR IS VITAL, SAYS GEOFFREY ROBINSON
                      
British exporters must persevere and keep their presence in the
markets if they are to compete successfully in the European
market place, Paymaster General Geoffrey Robinson said today.

Speaking to the British Exporters Association's annual
conference in London,  Geoffrey Robinson paid tribute to the
resilience of British exporters. 

"A healthy export sector is vital to the success of the British
economy.

"Our aim is to help British exporters.  We want to remove
barriers to growth and strengthen the economy's wealth creating
base.  This means putting in place policies that will promote
competition, promote long term investment and reduce
unnecessary burdens on business."

Commenting on the rise in sterling he said:

"The pound has fallen back somewhat since the summer and export
markets in Europe are beginning to pick up.

"Latest news from the October CIPS survey shows export orders
may once again be on the rise.

"But we must reckon with a continuing tough period in our
export markets.

"Exporters have shown great resilience in holding up their
share of export markets.  It has not been easy.  I sympathise
and I urge you to hang in there."

Notes For Editors


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