Crawford Falconer, Chief Trade Negotiation Adviser, UK Government

The UK officially left the European Union in January, and is now focused on developing new trade relationships with the world under its ‘Global Britain’ banner.

Although existing trade deals remain in place during the 11-month transition period, December 2020 marks a turning point for the UK, when it will no longer be covered by EU trade arrangements. The UK will need to strike new deals, and markets in Asia Pacific and the Middle East are high on the agenda.

As Chief Trade Negotiation Adviser and Second Permanent Secretary for the Department for International Trade, UK Government, Crawford Falconer will be at the heart of these efforts. He will brief Asia House Corporate Members on the UK’s trade priorities across Asia, and provide an update on current negotiations, such as the UK-Japan free trade agreement talks which are set to conclude in July. Falconer will also outline how businesses can support the UK as it reshapes its engagement with global markets.

Prior to being appointed the UK’s Chief Trade Negotiator in the run-up to Brexit, Falconer was Special Trade Commissioner for the Legatum Institute. He has more than 25 years’ experience in the field of trade policy and negotiations, both for governments and independent organisations. Previously, he served as Deputy Secretary (Vice Minister) in the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and as Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization.

The briefing is held exclusively for Asia House Corporate Members. To register interest in attending, please contact Evie Cramb at Evie.cramb@asiahouse.co.uk.