MP ‘delighted’ at appointment to leading South East Asian trade role
DERBYSHIRE MP Heather Wheeler has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Mrs Wheeler has described it as a crucial role to help build post-Brexit trade relations and promote British businesses abroad.
The Conservative MP for South Derbyshire was previously the Under-Secretary of State for Asia and the Pacific where she said she was able to promote trade and build on strong relations to promote British interests in the region.
The new role will see her working closely with heads of mission and Natalie Black, the UK’s trade commissioner for the Asia Pacific in support of new export and investment strategies.
Mrs Wheeler says Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam have huge potential for trade and could provide a significant boost to the UK and their own economies.
In 2018 Vietnam’s economy grew by 7.1% and Cambodia has seen an average growth of 7.5% with its import market growing on average by 13.9% since 2014. Laos has also been working on reform, and towards greener and more inclusive growth. Its economy grew by 4.8% in 2019 and it is working to combat poverty and improve education.
UK trade with Vietnam was worth £6 billion in 2018 and exports to Cambodia grew by 160.5%, worth £112 million by June 2019. Laos has also seen an increase in trade.
Mrs Wheeler said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the Trade Envoy to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. This is an exciting and unique point in time to promote British interests and businesses, especially as we seek to secure post-Brexit free trade agreements. “I will make the case for our expertise in hi-tech, health services and education as examples of the great opportunities for our national companies and South Derbyshire firms, in particular, to expand there.
“Having previously worked with these nations I am looking forward to building on our close ties and playing a part in securing trade deals.
“The Asian region is developing at an unprecedented rate, especially Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. This is a fantastic opportunity to secure better terms and develop a stronger bond as we stride out into the world and take our place on the stage as Global Britain.