Rushanara Ali MP has been appointed as UK’s Trade Envoy to Bangladesh. This is a cross-party programme established in 2012 to build business and bilateral trade relationships and help drive economic growth in developing countries. Rushanara Ali will also focus her work as Trade Envoy to address climate change concerns and share the UK’s expertise on labour standards to support Bangladesh’s garment industry.

There are currently 24 MPs and Peers working as Trade Envoys covering fifty different countries. All Envoys are selected by the UK Prime Minister for their experience, skills and knowledge of particular sectors and countries.

Rushanara Ali said:

“’I am delighted to have been appointed to this cross-party role as the UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh. The UK and Bangladesh have historic and long-standing ties, and it is a country of particular importance to me: a third of my constituents have Bangladeshi heritage and I was the first person of Bangladeshi origin to be elected to the UK Parliament. I want to see Britain play a twin role helping Bangladesh thrive economically and supporting the country's efforts to tackle the threat of climate change.”