Image copyright: NK-Photography, 2024.
Sharon Hodgson MP appointed UK Trade Envoy to Japan.
- On 28th January 2025, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade has today appointed 32 Parliamentarians covering 79 markets to the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy programme.
- One of which is Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Gateshead South, who has been appointed UK Trade Envoy to Japan.
- The United Kingdom’s Trade Envoys will play an integral role in this Labour Government’s growth mission and will help to deliver 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.
- With Japanese-owned companies including AESC, Komatsu, Faltec and Nissan based in Sharon’s constituency, she is well-briefed to take this opportunity forward with the expertise necessary to champion UK businesses on a global scale.
Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:
“Trade and investment are key to delivering economic growth, the number one mission of this Government and a key part of our Plan for Change.
“That’s why I’ve launched a new team of Trade Envoys, who will use their experience, expertise and knowledge to unlock new markets around the world for British businesses, drumming up investment into the UK and ultimately driving economic growth.”
Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Gateshead South, said:
“I am delighted to have been appointed as UK Trade Envoy to Japan. This is a great opportunity to be a key player in delivering this Labour Government’s growth mission and I look forward to championing UK businesses in Japan and boosting opportunities for them.
“Our country, especially in the North East, has a lot to gain from improving trade with Japan and I hope to strongly advocate for British companies competing overseas as well as greater inward investment.
“I am proud to have Japanese companies such as AESC, Komatsu, Faltec, Nissan and other major manufacturers based in my constituency and I particularly hope to use my expertise through my work in this area to boost opportunities for trade between Japan and the UK.”
Key links for editors:
New 'global growth team' appointed by Trade Secretary - GOV.UK
Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
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(Last Edited 03/02/2025)