The UK Government has appointed 32 new Trade Envoys as part of its strategy to drive exports, attract investment, and strengthen global trade partnerships. Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds announced the appointments, which include parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, to champion British trade interests worldwide.
Among the appointees, Flo Eshalomi MP has been named the UK Trade Envoy to Nigeria, taking over from Helen Grant MP. She will collaborate with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to advance the UK’s Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership with Nigeria.
“Trade and investment are key to delivering economic growth, the number one mission of this Government and a key part of our Plan for Change,” Reynolds stated. “This new team of Trade Envoys will use their expertise to unlock global markets for British businesses and attract investment to the UK.”
Mark Smithson, DBT Country Director for Nigeria, welcomed Eshalomi’s appointment, expressing confidence in her ability to strengthen trade ties and unlock economic opportunities between the two nations.
The Trade Envoy programme spans six continents, targeting markets with significant trade potential. The appointees, selected for their skills and experience, will work to remove trade barriers and promote UK exports. The initiative precedes the UK’s upcoming Trade Strategy, set to prioritize rebuilding EU relations and expanding market access worldwide.
A full list of the new Trade Envoys and their designated regions 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
- Flo Eshalomi MP – Nigeria
- George Freeman MP – Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore & Brunei
- Lord Iain McNicol – Jordan, Kuwait & the Palestinian Territories
- Lord Ian Austin – Israel
- Baroness Jane Ramsey – Ethiopia
- Jess Morden MP – Central America
- Lord John Alderdice – Azerbaijan & Central Asia
- Lord John Hannett – Sri Lanka
- Lord John Speller – 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 – Taiwan
- Lord Roger Liddle – Andean Region
- Dr Rosena Allin-Khan MP – South Africa
- Baroness Rosie Winterton – Bangladesh
- Sarah Olney MP – North Africa
- Sharon Hodgson MP – Japan
- Lord Tom Watson – Republic of Korea
- Yasmin Qureshi MP – Egypt
The new Trade Envoys are expected to play a crucial role in supporting British businesses and fostering international economic collaboration.
