14 Mar
Written Statement
UK Trade Envoy to Brazil: Lord Evans of Sealand

The appointment of Lord Evans of Sealand as the UK's trade envoy to Brazil highlights a strategic effort by the UK government to strengthen trade ties with Brazil, a key emerging market. This move aligns with the government's broader agenda to enhance global trade relationships, increase competitiveness of British businesses abroad, and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into the UK. The trade envoy programme, being voluntary and inclusive of cross-party representation, aims to leverage diplomatic and industry-specific expertise to open doors for UK enterprises in foreign markets.

Trade Specialists: 22%

The figure represents the approximate proportion of trade specialists amongst parliamentary envoys actively collaborating with foreign markets.

A primary role of Lord Evans will be to support the Department for International Trade (DIT) in executing its industrial and trade strategies. Ensuring the UK's growth priorities are met means fostering a favorable environment for both outbound trade and inbound investments. Lord Evans is expected to engage with Brazilian counterparts, facilitating dialogues that align with UK's economic objectives, and ensuring bilateral partnerships flourish.

2023

The year when Lord Evans of Sealand’s appointment was officially announced.

The significance of this appointment lies in its non-salaried structure, emphasizing public service and cooperation across political lines. This role fosters collaboration amongst peers and accentuates a commitment towards economic partnership that transcends partisan divides. Thus, Lord Evans' connection to the Brazilian market is vital for not only trade growth but also political goodwill.

Cross-party representation

Indicates the inclusive nature of the trade envoy programme, involving members from both government and opposition parties.

Outcome

The main outcome of the statement is the formal appointment of Lord Evans of Sealand as the UK trade envoy to Brazil, a position within the trade envoy programme intending to boost UK-Brazil trade relations. This decision marks a key progression in enhancing the UK's foreign trade strategies and is expected to benefit UK businesses by opening broader market access and promoting inward FDI.

Key Contributions

Secretary of StateSecretary of State

Announced the appointment of Lord Evans as the trade envoy to Brazil.

Lord Evans of Sealand

Will focus on fostering UK-Brazil trade relations as part of the UK government's growth mission.

Original Transcript
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Gareth Thomas

The Secretary of State has today appointed Lord Evans of Sealand to the United Kingdom’s trade envoy programme as the UK trade envoy to Brazil.

The United Kingdom’s trade envoys will play an integral role in the Government’s growth mission and delivering our plan for change by helping to create opportunities for UK business to compete abroad, break into new markets and attract greater inward investment from their markets.

Lord Evans of Sealand will play a crucial role in supporting my Department’s growth priorities, in particular through helping deliver the industrial and trade strategies and attracting foreign direct investment to every region in the UK.

The role as a United Kingdom trade envoy is unpaid and voluntary with cross-party membership from both Houses.

All content derived from official parliamentary records