The Secretary of State for Business and Trade is delighted to
announce that Kate Harrisson has been appointed His Majesty's
Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for China and Hong Kong, and will take
up the role in September.
Kate joins from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office,
where she currently serves as the FCDO's Director for the Asia
Pacific; until recently she was Head of the FCDO's China
Department.
Having worked in the private sector in China, Kate joined the
Foreign Office in 2000. Her earlier roles in the FCDO include
postings as British Ambassador in Peru, Deputy Head of Mission in
Vietnam, and roles in Beijing and Hong Kong. In FCDO HQ she has
worked on the UK's relations with India, UK policy on refugees
and conflict prevention. Outside government, Kate completed a
two-year secondment to Arup between 2022-2024 as Strategy
Director Emerging Markets.
Kate's appointment follows the recent the UK-China Joint Economic
and Trade Commission (JETCO), co-chaired by Secretary of State
for Business and Trade, , and Chinese Minister of
Commerce Wang Wentao, at Mansion House on 2 July. The JETCO built
on the Prime Minister's visit to China in January 2026, which
pushed forward £2.2 billion in export deals and around £2.3
billion in market access opportunities for UK businesses over 5
years.
Kate Harrison said:
I am delighted to have been appointed as HMTC for China and Hong
Kong and to be returning to this dynamic region. Since my
first visit to China over thirty years ago, the pace and scale of
change and the intensity of global competition has been dramatic.
As technological innovation accelerates, it's vital that the UK
supports our businesses to succeed in the world's second largest
economy and to leverage that experience outside of it. I'm
excited to be joining a team that is dedicated to delivering
secure and resilient growth for the whole of the United Kingdom,
creating jobs today and ensuring our competitiveness for the
future.
Kate replaces Lewis Neal, who took up the role in September 2023.
Lewis Neal said:
It has been a privilege to serve as HM Trade Commissioner for
China and Hong Kong. With thanks to the team in market and in the
UK, we have secured new market access for British firms,
supported new exporters and attracted investment into the UK.
The first in-person trade talks and Prime Ministerial visit in
eight years set the direction for a long-term, consistent and
comprehensive trading relationship. Working with world-leading UK
and Chinese companies has been a career-defining experience.
Supporting British business and driving investment that creates
jobs and growth never stops. I wish Kate Harrisson every success
when she takes up the role.
Role of the HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for China and Hong Kong
The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for China and Hong Kong
cooperates closely with the wider diplomatic network and other
colleagues to coordinate the government effort overseas to
promote UK trade and prosperity.
The Trade Commissioner has full responsibility for all Department
for Business and Trade (DBT) work in China and Hong Kong
including:
- Growing the overall trade and investment relationship
- Improving market access for British companies, including
small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)
- Developing trade policy
The HMTC works closely with UK-based government colleagues, UK
ambassadors and the wider diplomatic network in the region to
deliver these goals.
