Gemma Stevenson to Lead UK Trade in Middle East, Pakistan

The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade has appointed Gemma Stevenson as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for the Middle East and Pakistan and His Majesty’s Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates. She is scheduled to assume the roles in September 2026.

Before joining the role Gemma worked as Director in the Department for Business and Trade for the UK's Strategy for Small and Medium Enterprises. Also she served at senior levels in civil service on the UK's commercial ties with the Indo-Pacific and economic and investment security.

Prior to entry into the public service, Gemma served as an adviser to the governments of India and Afghanistan on trade and commerce in South Asia for 10 years and as Director of the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan. She has been a consultant to private sector clients in the UK from the professional services, transport and consumer goods industries.

Key Highlights:

• Gemma Stevenson appointed as HM Trade Commissioner for the Middle East and Pakistan
• Brings extensive experience in UK trade and international commerce
• Will strengthen UK trade and investment across the Middle East and Pakistan

Gemma is a graduate of Modern History and Modern Languages, Oxford University and a Masters in Economic Public Policy from Princeton University.

The timing is exciting for Gemma, as the UK has successfully completed a pivotal free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which includes the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It's a significant victory for the UK and the Gulf and another step on our journey to expand the economy through good quality trade agreements that are good for all of us in the UK.

“Our work on trade and investment is more than the exchange of goods and services and capital flows. It is about shared ambition, trust and relationships that deliver innovation and growth. I look forward to working with government and private sector partners across the Middle East and Pakistan to realize these opportunities.” Gemma Stevenson said.

Sarah Mooney who has been acting as Interim His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner since early 2025, said “It has been a privilege to lead DBT in the Middle East and Pakistan in support of the government’s growth mission. Across every market, I have seen for myself the opportunities for UK business, as well as a genuine appetite from countries in the region to deepen their partnership with the UK towards shared economic growth.”

The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for the Middle East and Pakistan works closely with the wider diplomatic network and government colleagues to coordinate efforts to promote UK trade and prosperity across the region. The HMTC is responsible for all Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) activities in the Middle East and Pakistan, including strengthening trade and investment ties, improving market access for British companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and advancing trade policy. The commissioner also collaborates with UK-based government officials, UK ambassadors and the wider diplomatic network to achieve these objectives.