A new “global growth team” of UK Trade Envoys has been appointed by the Trade Secretary to drive UK exports and investment as the Government pulls every lever available to drive economic growth under its Plan for Change.
Some 32 parliamentarians, including Flo Eshalomi who was appointed Trade Envoy to Nigeria, were drawn from across the political spectrum and tasked with identifying trade and investment opportunities for businesses and championing the UK as a destination of choice for investment in the assigned target markets across six continents.
Each market has been identified as presenting significant potential for growing UK trade and Trade Envoys are appointed on their ability, relevant skills and experience.
Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said: “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.
“That’s why I’ve launched a new team of Trade Envoys, who will use their experience, expertise and knowledge to unlock new markets around the world for British businesses, drumming up investment into the UK and ultimately driving economic growth.”
Speaking on the appointment, the Country Director for the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in Nigeria, Mark Smithson, said: “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 and unlock growth and opportunities for our two nations.”
Flo Eshalomi MP and the 31 MPs will work closely with the DBT, bringing in their previous government-to-government experience, to bolster exports, attract investments, and remove trade barriers in their respective markets.
Eshalomi is the Labour (Co-op) MP for Vauxhall and Camberwell Green and has been an MP continually since December 12, 2019. She takes over from Helen Grant MP, who was Trade Envoy to Nigeria from October 2020 to May 2024.
The announcement comes ahead of the new Trade Strategy in Spring, which will prioritise rebuilding the UK’s relationship with the EU and seizing opportunities to access new markets further afield.