Sir Ian Botham returns to Australia as UK Trade Envoy
Today Sir Ian Botham begins a nation-wide programme across Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth as the UK PM's Trade Envoy to Australia.
Sir Ian Botham with the UK Government team in Brisbane on the first day of his programme 21 June 2022.
Botham will be meeting with a variety of key stakeholders across business and government and will be attending a wide range of events. His programme strongly focuses on tech, innovation and sport which also encompasses the Commonwealth Games. Throughout the duration of his visit he will be promoting the benefits of bilateral trade and investment between the UK and Australia, current and future opportunities.
UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Australia, Ian Botham said:
I am excited to be back on the ground in Australia and I am ready to dive into all things related to UK-Australia trade and investment. This is my second visit already this year and we are making great progress engaging with both business and government across all the sectors our UK teamwork within Australia. I have a very action-packed week ahead so we can continue making progress.
Trade Envoys are unpaid and voluntary roles created by UK PM Boris Johnson to boost British business in key markets. The UK’s relationship with Australia is a top priority. This is evident from the signing of the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement in December 2021.
Vicki Treadell, British High Commissioner to Australia said:
The UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement was the first the UK negotiated ‘from scratch’ since leaving the EU. We are like minded countries. We share the same values, the same language and the same rule of law. Our bilateral trade and investment relationship has continued from strength to strength. This visit will only continue that momentum.
Louise Cantillon, British Consul General and Deputy Trade Commissioner Asia Pacific (Australia & New Zealand) said:
With an already very successful trade and investment relationship there are growing opportunities for future business and partnerships between the UK and Australia. The UK offers Australian investors a robust and business friendly environment to reliably expand, trade and invest.
The UK is also leading the race to a net zero carbon economy which is seeing an even greater focus on developing sectors like green finance, clean tech, hydrogen, and sustainable infrastructure. With Sir Ian Botham’s visit we hope to engage with the local business community to explore these opportunities and celebrate our successes.
Media Contact:
Bailee Dean
Public Relations and Communications Manager of Australia and New Zealand for the UK Government
British Consulate General Sydney
m: +61 (0)4 22 852 462
About the UK’s Department for International Trade:
The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT):
- helps businesses export
- drives inward and outward investment
- negotiates market access and trade deals
- champions free trade
Find out more about DIT.