By DPA,
Hong Kong : Britain could improve trade with countries in Asia, Foreign Secretary William Hague said Monday.
Speaking at a economic forum in Hong Kong, Hague said a report card for Britain’s trade relationship with Asia would read “good but could do better”.
The two-day forum was expected to attract more than 1,000 leaders from business, finance and governments.
Hague stressed the importance of trade with Asia, saying its “strong and sustained growth has acted as a linchpin for global trade during the global economic downturn”.
He said Britain was pursuing stronger ties with China and India, reinvigorating ties with Japan, and broadening ties with the Gulf States in diplomacy, defence, trade, culture, education and health.
As economic weight and political influence shifts to southern and eastern countries, “British diplomacy has to shift its weight accordingly”.
“Successful international cooperation to tackle climate change, prevent nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and stem international terrorism all require intensive exchanges with partners in Asia, and this is a major component of our stronger ties with the emerging economies in this region,” he said.
Hague was also scheduled to travel to Australia and New Zealand for the first visits by a British foreign secretary in 20 years.