Roundtable with His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Martin Kent

The BMCC was pleased to host a high-level roundtable with His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Martin Kent, to discuss the UK’s strategic priorities in trade, investment, education, and sustainability across the APAC region.

Martin shared that the UK Government is implementing a 10-year national renewal strategy, with a strong focus on economic growth and defence and security, noting that trade relationships are increasingly intertwined with global security frameworks. The UK continues to expand its Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), enhance digital trade frameworks, and capitalise on its accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

On industrial strategy, the UK has identified a few priority sectors to drive investment, with Malaysia being a key focus market due to the strength of bilateral relations and economic optimism.

This dialogue underscored the UK’s long-term commitment to strengthening economic, educational, and sustainable partnerships across ASEAN, particularly with Malaysia.