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• Question by: Murad Qureshi
• Meeting date: 14 March 2007

I can give you two or three reasons why. For example, the old colonial links do mean the Stock Exchanges between London and Hong Kong are quite well established. Dubai; the gold markets are critical there. You would be surprised how much the Asian community uses them out there when they are travelling through. Singapore clearly is the hub of East Asia.

• Question by: Murad Qureshi
• Meeting date: 14 March 2007

This is a question directed at John Ross. You have mentioned BRIC quite a lot; Russia, India and China. What happened to Brazil? I am trying to work out in your international relation strategy for the GLA and the Mayor's Office whether approaches have been made to the Brazilians, given that they are a major exporter of bio fuels and ethanol. They are clearly a big player in some of the things that we want to do. I am not sure for what reasons they were dropped off the four countries that make up BRIC.

• Question by: Murad Qureshi
• Meeting date: 14 March 2007

That was discussed. I am glad to hear that. The other thing, you mentioned a Times article yesterday which I came across as well. Oddly enough, the three cities they mentioned - Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong - were three cities I have seen on my own travels in recent times. We have colonial links with them. Is it not better to have partnership agreements with cities like that, the new emerging cities, rather than friendship agreements with the Dakars and the Delhis of the world?

• Question by: Murad Qureshi
• Meeting date: 14 March 2007

OK. I have clearly suggested where I think there is scope, particularly - whatever the stage of development they are at, I certainly think, given they are exporting bio fuels in a big way.

• Question by: Murad Qureshi
• Meeting date: 08 September 2005

I am glad to hear that, and I suspect a lot of local authorities will be competing amongst themselves for which countries to host. Could you just keep me informed about those developments, because it is quite a critical one that we need to keep an eye on.

• Question by: Murad Qureshi
• Meeting date: 08 September 2005

Thank you for that response, Mayor. Most of the other venues outside of the Olympic Village itself are outside of the local government structures. I was just wondering, whilst we have heard good words and deeds from the various venues, how we can make sure that there are other mechanisms for them to be accountable. Have bodies like Sport England a role to play in this?