West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin said she was ‘confident’ that new trade opportunities have opened up after a series of successful discussions with the Russian Government. The MP met with Ulyanovsk Governor Sergey Morozov earlier this week and and Economy Minister Alexander Smekalin visited Malvern today (Friday January 25) to discuss opening trade links between Russia and the UK. And the Russian visitors confirmed that they are keen to see improved air links from Birmingham airport as an important step towards opening trade opportunities. The delegation toured the Morgan factory in Malvern and took part in a networking session with local economic development personnel led by Worcestershire LEP chair Peter Pawsey. Harriett commented: “I was very pleased at the way our guests took the time to visit Worcestershire and meet with our business community. “Minister Smekalin made a very compelling presentation about the region and it is clear they want to do business with us. I am confident that deals will emerge from this event. “They were also keen to work with Birmingham Airport to open up more flight to the region and I hope that we will be able to take our own business delegation to Ulyanovsk to make further progress. “Russia is one of the world’s fastest growing economies and I am doing all I can to help our local businesses to be in a position to exploit these clear trade opportunities.” Photo: Russian trade delegation visit Malvern: l-r Trade Minister Alexander Smekalin, Dmitry Lebedev, Charles Morga, Harriett Baldwin