In a bold move to unlock new economic opportunities, the UK Government has appointed a dynamic new team of Trade Envoys, tasked with driving the nation’s exports and attracting international investment. The announcement, made by the UK Trade Secretary, is a key part of the Government’s broader economic strategy to supercharge growth under its “Plan for Change.”
This new team consists of 32 parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, each of whom will champion the UK as a global hub for business. Their mission? To identify and capitalize on trade and investment opportunities in high-potential markets spanning six continents. Their expertise and connections will be pivotal in expanding the UK’s footprint on the global stage.
Among the most notable appointments is Flo Eshalomi MP, who has been named the UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria, a role that was previously held by Helen Grant MP. Eshalomi, a Labour (Co-op) MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green, brings invaluable experience to the position, and her appointment underscores the Government’s commitment to strengthening ties with key African markets.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasized the critical role that trade and investment will play in the Government’s efforts to drive economic growth. “Trade and investment are key to delivering economic growth, the number one mission of this Government,” Reynolds said in a statement. “That’s why I’ve launched this new team of Trade Envoys, who will use their experience, expertise, and knowledge to unlock new markets around the world for British businesses, driving investment into the UK and ultimately boosting economic growth.”
The creation of this “global growth team” comes as the UK is preparing to unveil a new Trade Strategy this spring. The strategy will focus on rebuilding the country’s relationship with the European Union and exploring fresh opportunities in untapped markets, positioning the UK to capitalize on global growth trends.
Eshalomi, alongside the other Trade Envoys, will work closely with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and leverage their previous government-to-government experience to drive UK exports, attract investment, and remove barriers to trade. This team is expected to play a crucial role in advancing the UK’s objectives under the UK Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership, aiming to foster closer economic ties with partner nations.
Mark Smithson, the Country Director for the Department for Business and Trade in Nigeria, expressed excitement about Eshalomi’s appointment. “We are thrilled to welcome Florence Eshalomi MP as the new UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria and look forward to working with her to deliver on the commitments made under the UK Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership,” Smithson said. “We’re excited to unlock growth and opportunities for both nations.”
The new Trade Envoys represent a wide array of global markets, from fast-growing emerging economies to established powerhouses. These parliamentarians have been chosen for their skills, experience, and ability to foster strong diplomatic and trade relationships in their assigned regions. Their appointments will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and increased foreign investment, helping the UK remain competitive on the global stage.
The full list of appointed Trade Envoys includes:
- Afzal Khan MP – Türkiye
- Alex Sobel MP – Ukraine
- Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP – Ghana
- Ben Coleman MP – Morocco & Francophone West Africa
- Calvin Bailey MP – Southern Africa
- Carolyn Harris MP – New Zealand
- Dan Carden MP – Mexico
- David Pinto-Duschinsky MP – Switzerland & Liechtenstein
- Fabian Hamilton MP – Southern Cone (South America)
- Flo Eshalomi MP – Nigeria
- George Freeman MP – Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore & Brunei
- Lord Iain McNicol of West Kilbride – Jordan, Kuwait & Palestine Territories
- Lord Ian Austin of Dudley – Israel
- Baroness Jane Ramsey of Wall Heath – Ethiopia
- Jess Morden MP – Central America
- Lord John Alderdice – Azerbaijan & Central Asia
- Lord John Hannett of Everton – Sri Lanka
- Lord John Speller of Smethwick – Australia
- Josh MacAlister MP – Brazil
- Kate Osamor MP – East Africa
- Matt Western MP – Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos
- Mohammad Yasin MP – Pakistan
- Naz Shah MP – Indonesia & ASEAN
- Paulette Hamilton MP – Commonwealth Caribbean
- Lord Richard Faulkner of Worcester – Taiwan
- Lord Roger Liddle – Andean region (South America)
- Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP – South Africa
- Baroness Rosie Winterton of Doncaster – Bangladesh
- Sarah Olney MP – North Africa
- Sharon Hodgson MP – Japan
- Lord Tom Watson of Wyre Forest – Republic of Korea
- Yasmin Qureshi MP – Egypt
These newly appointed Trade Envoys will be instrumental in promoting UK exports and trade, opening doors for UK businesses to expand in foreign markets. They will also support the Government’s efforts to break down trade barriers and foster partnerships with key international markets.
With the UK’s global trade landscape rapidly evolving, this new team of Trade Envoys represents an ambitious step toward revitalizing and strengthening the nation’s economic relationships worldwide. By focusing on fostering international collaboration and increasing investment flows, the UK Government aims to usher in a new era of growth and opportunity for British businesses across the globe.
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