Jenny Bates, Director General, Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

In its recent ‘Integrated Review’ of foreign and defence policy, the UK government described the Indo-Pacific region as ‘critical’ to UK’s economy, security and global ambitions. In the same document, Prime Minister Boris Johnson shared his vision for the UK being deeply engaged in the Indo-Pacific by 2030 as the European partner with the broadest, most integrated presence in support of mutually beneficial trade, security and shared values.

As the UK’s ‘Indo-Pacific tilt’ begins to take shape – with its proposed accession to CPTPP progressing and the new HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier heading to the region for its maiden voyage – Asia House will welcome Jenny Bates, Director General, Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), to brief Corporate Members on this key foreign policy shift.

As the Director General, Indo-Pacific, Jenny is tasked with FCDO strategy and engagement with the region (including China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand) and the implementation of the UK’s Indo-Pacific Strategic Framework. She also oversees the department’s work on trade, investment, economic growth and cooperation, working closely with the Department for International Trade.

In this off-the-record digital briefing, Jenny will share her insights on UK’s economic ambitions and strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific, and will also discuss how an increased British presence in the region can help address common challenges ranging from climate change to geopolitical tensions.

Jenny joined the then Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in March 2020 as Director General, Europe, responsible for leading the FCO’s work on EU negotiations and wider strategic relationships with Europe. Previously, she was Director, EU Exit and Economic Partnerships and Chief Economist/Director of Analysis at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Jenny worked for 10 years in HM Treasury and led the Secretariat of the Smith Commission on the devolution of further powers to Scotland.

This briefing is held exclusively for Asia House Corporate Members. To register interest in joining the briefing, please email Edward Danks: edward.danks@asiahouse.co.uk

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP AT ASIA HOUSE