Press release: International Trade Secretary announces new roles to boost trade around the globe
The Secretary of State for International Trade, Dr Liam Fox, has this week announced that the Department for International Trade (DIT) will recruit for a new team of Her Britannic Majesty’s Trade Commissioners (HMTCs) to represent the UK in key markets across the world.
The HM Trade Commissioners, one of the government’s manifesto commitments, will play a vital role as the UK leaves the European Union and takes its place as a global champion of free trade in charge of its own independent trade policy. The HM Trade Commissioners will head the global operations of DIT, leading on export promotion, inward and outward direct investment, and trade policy overseas on behalf of the UK government.
The 9 geographical areas that the HM Trade Commissioners will cover are:
- Africa
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- Eastern Europe and Central Asia Network (EECAN)
- Europe
- Latin America
- Middle East
- North America
- South America
The HM Trade Commissioners will be senior Civil Service appointments. It is anticipated that appointments will be confirmed during the first half of 2018.
International Trade Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, said:
This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to represent the UK in key markets around the world. We will be seeking the brightest and the best, from both the public and private sectors to use their extensive regional and in-country knowledge, together with their business and government expertise to help build a global Britain.
The new HM Trade Commissioners will be providing a clear vision and direction to my Department’s global operations. That will require providing intelligence on the ground, deciding what tailored action is required in their region, and playing a vital role in our future global trading relationships.