Boost for British business in international markets with new Trade Envoys

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today (August 23) appointed ten Trade Envoys in a bid to boost British business in markets such as Australia, Brazil and Canada.

It is expected that the Trade Envoys will use their skills, experience, and market knowledge to help UK businesses find new export and investment opportunities and promote UK trade in their allocated market. 

The Government already has Trade Envoys in more than 60 countries, drawn from a cross-section of parties, with Baroness Hoey, Stephen Timms MP, Lord Walney and Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP being appointed in this round.

The announcement has seen Lord Botham appointed to Australia, Baroness Hoey appointed to Ghana, Stephen Timms MP appointed to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, David Mundell MP appointed to New Zealand and Mark Eastwood MP appointed to Pakistan.

In addition, Marco Longhi MP has been appointed to Brazil, Conor Burns MP appointed to Canada, Lord Walney appointed to Tanzania, Felicity Buchan MP appointed to Iceland and Norway and Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP appointed to Cameroon, in addition to his role as Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Egypt.

International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, commented: “Our Trade Envoys play a key role in delivering our ambitious global trade agenda, and I am delighted the Prime Minister has appointed ten Trade Envoys who will boost opportunities for British businesses in some of the world’s fastest growing markets.

“By boosting exports, promoting inward investment and creating high-value, high-paying jobs, our Trade Envoys will help us build back better from Covid-19, ensuring every part of the UK benefits from our trade strategy.”

Minister of State for Trade Policy, Greg Hands, added: “From Norway to New Zealand, Pakistan to Brazil, our Trade Envoys will help increase UK trade with some of the world’s most exciting and dynamic markets and showcase the UK as a great place to invest.”