Alan Gemmell appointed Trade Commissioner for South Asia

CEO of the Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council, Alan Gemmell, has been appointed as HMTC for South Asia, announced International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss. He is one of three new HM Trade Commissioners (HMTCs) who will champion British trade with some of the UK’s biggest economic partners as the Coronavirus crisis highlights just how important it is to keep trade flowing and supply chains open so we can all have the essential supplies we need.

Consul-General in Shanghai, John Edwards, becomes HMTC for China and Hong Kong. The previous HM Trade Commissioner for China, Richard Burn, has been appointed temporarily to the role of HMTC Europe.

International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss said:

“By attracting inward investment and supporting UK businesses, our HM Trade Commissioners will play a key part in delivering free trade agreements that benefit every part of the UK.

It’s fantastic to welcome Alan, John and Richard who are great champions of British trade and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their new roles.”

Permanent Secretary at the Department for International Trade, Antonia Romeo said:

“I am delighted to welcome John, Alan and Richard to their new roles on the DIT leadership team. They all have proven expertise and experience in supporting British businesses to export and grow internationally, and attracting inward investment into the UK. At this time, this work is more important than ever.

£286 billion of goods and services were traded between the UK and Asian countries in 2019. The continent is also home to 6 of the top 20 fastest-growing economies in the world and the diverse and fast-growing economies of the region offer huge potential to UK business.

In 2019, the total trade in goods and services between the UK and South Asia was £30 billion, an increase of 9.9% or £2.7 billion compared to 2018; and the total trade in goods and services between the UK and China and Hong Kong was £104.6 billion, an increase of 16% or £14.4 billion compared to 2018.”

Speaking after his appointment, HMTC for South Asia, Alan Gemmell said:

“I’m excited to return to South Asia as HM Trade Commissioner. The UK and South Asia share deep personal links and strong business connections.

I look forward to helping these relationships flourish with trade and investment at their heart.”

About HMTCs

All of Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioners (HMTCs) cooperate closely with HM Ambassadors and High Commissioners, the wider diplomatic network, and other HM Government colleagues based in countries in their region, in a joined-up and coordinated government effort overseas to promote UK trade and prosperity.

In total, there will be 9 geographical areas that the HM Trade Commissioners cover:

Africa
Asia-Pacific
China
Eastern Europe and Central Asia Network
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
South Asia

About Alan Gemmell OBE

Alan Gemmell OBE is the founder of fiveFilms4freedom and former Director of the British Council in India. He was appointed as Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council in December 2018 and now serves as HM Trade Commissioner to South Asia.

He was the Director of the British Council in India (2016-2018) and served as Director Israel from 2012 to 2016; Deputy Director Mexico (2011-2012); in São Paulo, Brazil (2011); and, as Director of External Relations, London (2008-2011). Alan was responsible for the 2017 UK-India Year of Culture, a year of cultural exchange announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his November 2015 visit to the UK. British Prime Minister Theresa May and Indian Prime Minister Modi referenced the Year of Culture and its unprecedented level of cultural exchange in the Joint Statement to mark the visit of PM Modi to London in April 2018.

Previously, he was a civil servant in the UK’s Home Office and Cabinet Office (2002-2007). He was Private Secretary to Permanent Secretary Sir John Gieve (2003-2005), Assistant Director responsible for economic migration (2005-2006) and counter radicalisation advisor in the Cabinet Office Defence and Overseas Secretariat (2006-2007) headed by Sir Nigel Sheinwald.

Alan was appointed OBE in the Queen’s 2016 New Year Honours List.