British trade envoy in Bangladesh

Rushanara Ali, the UK prime minister’s trade envoy for Bangladesh, is now in Dhaka to reaffirm the importance the UK attaches to the trade and investment component of its relationship with Bangladesh.
Her visit comes at a time when the UK is getting ready to leave the European Union, a decision that will also affect its relations with other countries.
During her visit, Rushanara, who enjoys great popularity here as the first person of Bangladesh-origin to be elected to the House of Commons, will meet members of the British business community in Bangladesh, industry and business leaders, political leaders and senior members of the government.
Marking her visit, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Alison Blake, said Ali’s visit should be taken as sign of the UK’s commitment to building on their trade and investment
relationship with Bangladesh.
“Her visit is a timely opportunity to discuss our commitments, to build prosperity for both our countries, supporting Bangladesh’s economic development, and to identifying ways to further strengthen our commercial and trade ties,” Blake said.
“This is my first visit to Bangladesh as a trade envoy. Besides, our historic ties, Bangladesh has exciting opportunities for British companies as its economy is growing impressively,” Rushanara said, adding: “As a great trading nation, the UK is keen to deepen trade relationship with Bangladesh.”
International trade and investment can be a force for good, creating prosperity and opportunity as well as supporting innovation and creativity, she said.
“I am also keen to ensure Britain continues to have a strong partnership with Bangladesh in promoting further development and tackling the threat of
Climate Change.”
The cross-party trade envoy programme was established in 2012 to build bilateral trade relationships and help drive economic growth in countries identified as key markets for the UK. They are unpaid positions. There are currently 24 Members of Parliament and Peers from across the political spectrum working as trade envoys covering
over 50 different markets.
All trade envoys are personally selected by the prime minister for their experience, skills and knowledge of particular sectors and countries.
This is part of a new whole-of-government approach to boosting trade with priority markets and sectors.
Rushanara is the Labour Party MP for the constituency of Bethnal Green and Bow.
In her parliamentary career, she has been shadow minister for education and international development and a member of the parliamentary treasury
select committee.
Rushanara currently serves as a member of the parliamentary select committee for energy and climate change.
The UK has strong business interests in Bangladesh and remains the largest foreign
investor.
More than 240 British companies are operating in sectors including retail, banking, energy, infrastructure, consultancy and education with main centres of operation in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet.
The UK is also the third single largest destination for exports from Bangladesh.