FCO Director General Briefing on Japan and South Korea

In preparation for her visit to Japan and South Korea, Barbara Woodward, the Director General for Economic and Consular Services at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) joined a small group of Asia House Corporate Members for a private briefing conducted under the Chatham House Rule.

Talking about the efforts that the British Government are making to strengthen political and economic ties with East Asia, Barbara also received feedback from business leaders operating in and around the region as to what further support and assistance the FCO and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) can offer businesses.

Discussion covered regulatory reform; political stability; and the broader economic climate of the region. How the UK can build upon the success of South Korean President Park Geun-hye’s state visit to London in November 2013 was also discussed, along with how British businesses can contribute to Park’s vision of a ‘creative economy’.

Members praised the vital role that diplomats and embassies around the world play in supporting British businesses looking to expand into the region.

Companies represented at the table included AMEC, Arup, Barclays, BP, EY, KPMG, Jardine Matheson, PwC, Rio Tinto and Tesco. The session was chaired by Asia House Chief Executive Michael Lawrence.

The Public Policy series, which consists of private briefings with high-level political figures, is open exclusively to Asia House’s corporate members.

Click here for more information about corporate membership.