Martin Kent has been appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, succeeding Natalie Black CBE.
HMTCs lead the UK’s overseas effort to promote UK trade, investment, trade policy and export finance.
As the new HM Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Kent will generate business opportunities for the UK while contributing to the growth of sustainable, resilient, and productive economies across the region.
Prior to his new role, Martin Kent was the Minister and Deputy Head of Mission in the British Embassy Tokyo, a Director within the Department for Business and Trade, and also HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for Africa. He started his career with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and has worked across the Asia Pacific region, including in BCG’s Singapore and Australia offices.
Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, said:
“Our network of HM Trade Commissioners bang the drum for Britain across the world, promoting UK trade, investment and export finance.
I am delighted to welcome Martin to this role and am confident he will build on our outstanding track record on trade in the Asia Pacific, expanding opportunities for British businesses in one of the world’s fastest growing markets.”
With total UK-Asia Pacific trade worth £120.5 billion, a growing population and a flourishing trade and investment relationship, the Asia Pacific holds vast potential for UK businesses and consumers.
HM Trade Commissioner for Asia-Pacific, Martin Kent, said:
“I am delighted to be appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific. The region is the engine room of the global economy and is a major driver of global economic growth and opportunity for UK businesses.
I will be focused on securing and implementing high-quality Free Trade Agreements, attracting investment to all parts of the UK, opening markets for UK exporters, and positioning the UK as a beacon for free trade in the Asia Pacific region.”
