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Sub Saharan Africa

Guinea-Bissau

 Flag of Guinea-Bissau

Last reviewed: 04 June 2009

Country information

TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Trade and Investment with the UK

UK Trade with Guinea-Bissau is on a very small scale: £0.67 million worth of British exports in 2006 and £91,000 of imports.

UK Trade & Investment Country Profile: Guinea-Bissau

Development and Development Aid

Guinea-Bissau’s already weak economy was shattered by the protracted conflict of 1998 and continued instability thereafter. The country’s rudimentary infrastructure was badly damaged. The population is desperately poor. Life expectancy at birth is 45 years and the country is ranked low, at 172 out of 177, in the UNDP’s 2005 human development index for 2004.

Relations with aid donors broke down from the late 1990s as a result of instability and financial mismanagement. However, the relative stability of the current government has brought some improvements. The country signed a IMF staff monitored programme early in 2005. This was renewed in March 2006. Negotiations for an Emergency Post Conflict Assistance programme (EPCA) Portugal is the largest bilateral donor. The UK provides funds via the EU and UN agencies. In September 2004 the European Council decided to conclude Article 96 negotiations and normalise relations with Guinea-Bissau. The UK also funds occasional projects in the area of good governance and human rights and has contributed to mine clearing activities. The UK has conducted visits to help the Bissau authorities to define a policy of security sector reform.

Economy and Development Links

World Bank
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Franc Zone
European Union (EU)

Country information

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