The United Kingdom has appointed Harjinder Kang as the new His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for South Asia. Kang’s responsibilities will include 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, with the responsibility of the states of Maharashtra, Goa, and Madhya Pradesh.
Kang was previously serving as the UK’s Chief Negotiator for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) before being promoted. He will now be succeeded by Kate Thornley, who previously served as the Deputy Chief Negotiator. In his new position, Kang will play a key role in supporting the implementation of the FTA, which would bring enormous opportunities for UK businesses.
Expressing his excitement about his new role, Kang said, “It is an honor to be appointed as Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, both vibrant and growing regions which are pivotal to the UK’s security and prosperity. 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.”
UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Kemi Badenoch, also expressed her delight about Kang’s promotion. “He 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,” said Badenoch.
The British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, also welcomed Kang to the team and expressed his gratitude to Alan Gemmell for his work in the last three years. Ellis noted that Kang’s deep links to India and his understanding of the bilateral trade and investment relationship would make him a valuable addition to the team.
Before joining the Department for Business and Trade, Kang spent around 30 years at AstraZeneca, where he later became the Global Commercial Director. As a Director, he focused on creating affordable solutions for pharmaceutical access in the lesser developed regions. He is also a member of the Council of the University of Birmingham.
Kang, who was born in Jalandhar, moved to the United Kingdom with his parents at the age of three. He is married and has three daughters.