New Delhi, May 3 (FN Agency) India-born Harjinder Kang, who was the UK’s Chief Negotiator for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, was on Wednesday appointed as Britain’s new Trade Commissioner for South Asia and the country’s Deputy High Commissioner for Western India. Kang will be leading the UK’s trade and investment ties with South Asia. As His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for South Asia, Kang will be leading the overseas effort to promote UK trade, investment, trade policy and export finance. He will also serve as the British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India based in Mumbai – with overall responsibility for the states of Maharashtra, Goa and Madhya Pradesh, a statement from the British High Commission said. He will be succeeded in his role as UK’s Chief Negotiator for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement by Kate Thornley, previously Deputy Chief Negotiator.
In his new position, Kang will play a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, which could bring huge opportunities for UK businesses. Before joining the Department for Business and Trade, he spent nearly 30 years at AstraZeneca, later becoming the Global Commercial Director, focusing on creating affordable solutions for pharmaceutical access in less developed regions. He is also a member of the Council of the University of Birmingham. UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch said: “Harjinder has been an integral part of our India trade deal negotiating team and I’m confident he will use that experience to build on our outstanding track record on trade in South Asia, expanding opportunities for British businesses in untapped markets. With an economy worth over £3.2 trillion and a growing population, a flourishing trade and investment relationship with South Asia holds vast potential for UK businesses and consumers.”
British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis said: “Harjinder will be uniquely positioned to lead on our trade and investment team, our Consulate in Mumbai and be a core part of our leadership team for the UK in India network.” Harjinder Kang said: “I am deeply committed to fostering strong relationships between the UK and South Asia and am excited about the opportunities ahead as we strengthen our economic ties and forge new partnerships in the region to create jobs, promote innovation and drive economic growth at home and abroad.” Harjinder Kang is married with three daughters. He was born in Jalandhar and moved to the United Kingdom with his parents at the age of 3. As the new Trade Commissioner for South Asia, Kang will generate business opportunities for the UK while contributing to the growth of sustainable, resilient, and productive economies across the South Asia region. He joins a team of nine HMTCs promoting Global Britain across the world and encouraging UK trade and investment. He succeeds Alan Gemmell OBE who served as HMTC for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India from June 2020 to April 2023.
The Trade Commissioner for South Asia oversees all Department for Business and Trade (DBT) work in Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka: – growing bilateral trade and investment relationships; – improving market access for British companies, including small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs); and – developing finance and trade policy. The HMTC also works closely with High Commissioners, Ambassadors, the wider diplomatic network and colleagues across the UK to support the prosperity agenda. Deputy High Commissioner leads a subordinate office to the High Commission in another major city and fulfills a similar role to a Consul General, representing the UK government and typically responsible for consular, visa and trade activities in their city or region, the statement said.