London — Harjinder Kang has been appointed as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) to South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, replacing Alan Gemmell OBE. As the new Trade Commissioner for South Asia, Kang will be responsible for promoting UK trade, investment, trade policy, and export finance while generating business opportunities for the UK. Prior to his promotion to HMTC, Kang was the UK’s Chief Negotiator for the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, and will be succeeded in this role by Kate Thornley, previously Deputy Chief Negotiator.

In his new position, Kang will play a key role in supporting the implementation of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to bring huge opportunities for UK businesses. Before joining the Department for Business and Trade, Kang spent almost 30 years at AstraZeneca, later becoming the Global Commercial Director. He focused on creating affordable solutions for pharmaceutical access in less developed regions and is also a member of the Council of the University of Birmingham.

Kemi Badenoch, the Business and Trade Secretary, welcomed Kang to his new role and expressed confidence in his ability to build on the UK’s outstanding track record on trade in South Asia, expanding opportunities for British businesses in untapped markets. Kang said it was an honour to be appointed as Trade Commissioner for South Asia and Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, both vibrant and growing regions that are pivotal to the UK’s security and prosperity. He is deeply committed to fostering strong relationships between the UK and South Asia and excited about the opportunities ahead as they strengthen their economic ties and forge new partnerships in the region to create jobs, promote innovation, and drive economic growth at home and abroad.