DEWSBURY MP Mark Eastwood has been given a new role as the UK’s Trade Envoy for Pakistan. The appointment is one of ten announced by the prime minister, Boris Johnson, to “boost British business”.
Eastwood, who was elected in 2019, said he was “delighted” to be given the responsibility and that he was looking forward to helping to ensure “our vibrant commercial relationship continues to thrive and expand”.
The new envoys will use their skills, experience and market knowledge to help UK businesses find new export and investment opportunities and promote trade in their allocated market.
Trade envoys drawn from a cross-section of parties already work in more than 60 countries. They are tasked with building on the UK’s strong relations with key trading countries and work with the Department for International Trade’s global network to break down barriers to trade.
Responding to news of his appointment Eastwood said: “I am delighted the prime minister has appointed me his Trade Envoy to Pakistan, a country the UK has a strong current relationship with as well as close historical links, particularly in constituencies like here in Dewsbury.
“Pakistan is South Asia’s second-largest economy with growing consumer demand and an affinity for UK expertise, products and brands; there are good opportunities to increase bilateral trade.
“I look forward to being able to help ensure our vibrant commercial relationship continues to thrive and expand.”
There was support from the International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, who said trade envoys play a key role in delivering the UK’s “ambitious global trade agenda”.
She said Eastwood and his fellows would “boost opportunities for British businesses in some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.”
She added: “By boosting exports, promoting inward investment and creating high-value, high-paying jobs, our envoys will help us build back better from Covid-19, ensuring every part of the UK benefits from our trade strategy.”
(Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Zia Yusuf
Sunak with Boris Johnson
Sunak with Suella Braverman
Former prime minister Rishi Sunak with his wife Akshata Murty (left), their children Anoushka and Krishna and his mother-in-law Sudha Murty (second from left) are pictured during their visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra last month