UK appoints Harjinder Kang as trade commissioner for South Asia

London: Britain has appointed Indian-origin Harjinder Kang as Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India. He will seek to increase UK trade and investment with the region. Kang, who was the chief negotiator of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, will play a key role in the implementation of the deal. As the new Trade Commissioner for South Asia, he will create business opportunities for the UK across the South Asia region, a UK government statement said.

UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said I am delighted to welcome Harjinder to this role. He has been an integral part of the team negotiating our India trade deal and I am confident he will use that experience to build on our excellent track record on trade in South Asia. South Asia, with an economy of over £3.2 trillion and a growing population, offers huge opportunities for UK businesses and consumers to have thriving trade and investment ties.

In a statement, Kang said it was an honor to be appointed as Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, both vibrant and growing regions vital to Britain’s security and prosperity. I am fully committed to promoting stronger ties between the UK and South Asia and am excited about the opportunities ahead. Kang spent nearly 30 years at AstraZeneca before joining the Department of Business and Trade. Later focused on creating affordable solutions for pharmaceutical access in less developed regions as Global Commercial Director. He is also a member of the Council of the University of Birmingham.