Lewis Neal, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for China & Hong Kong

Asia House will welcome Lewis Neal, His Majesty’s newly appointed Trade Commissioner for China and Hong Kong, to an online briefing where he will discuss the everchanging dynamics of UK-China trade and update Corporate Members on his plans to support the growth of UK businesses in the region.

Trade Commissioner Neal takes up post as the UK government attempts to reset its relationship with the world’s second largest economy – one that has been rocked by recent accusations of espionage from inside the heart of the British parliament. Trade Commissioner Neal will comment on UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly’s recent visit to Beijing and his Mansion House speech, in which the Foreign Secretary outlined the UK’s new approach of engaging with China on trade, investment, and renewable energy, while at the same time protecting the UK’s national security. Corporate Members will hear from the Trade Commissioner on areas where the two countries’ economic interests align, as well as measures to safeguard the UK’s national security and fortify the UK’s resilience against potential threats.

Previous to this appointment, Neal has held a range of senior roles within the UK Government. He was Director of Strategy in the Cabinet Office’s COVID-19 Taskforce from 2021 to 2022, after serving as Director for Economic Diplomacy at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in 2018 to 2021. Neal supported the creation of UK’s post-Brexit trading arrangements and championed the UK’s important role in international regulatory standards. He was previously National Security Director in the FCDO, supporting the Foreign Secretary on Counter-Terrorism, cyber and intelligence policy issues. Earlier in his career Neal had a number of roles in HM Treasury and also worked as a Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

This digital briefing is being held exclusively for Asia House Corporate Members and will be moderated by Charlie Humphreys, Asia House Director of Corporate Affairs. To register interest, please email Lin Cong, Programme Producer: lin.cong@asiahouse.co.uk