Gemma Stevenson Takes on Role of HMTC for Middle East and Pakistan

The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade is pleased to announce the appointment of Gemma Stevenson as His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for the Middle East and Pakistan, as well as His Majesty’s Consul General to Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Gemma will officially assume her new responsibilities in September 2026.

In her previous role, Gemma served as the Director within the Department for Business and Trade, overseeing the UK’s Strategy for Small and Medium Enterprises. Her extensive experience includes senior civil service positions where she concentrated on enhancing the UK’s commercial ties with the Indo-Pacific region, as well as addressing economic and investment security issues.

Before entering the civil service, Gemma dedicated ten years to work in South Asia, advising both the Indian and Afghan governments on matters related to trade and commerce. Additionally, she held the position of Director at the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan and has provided consultancy services to various private sector clients in the UK, spanning the professional services, transport, and consumer goods sectors.

Academic Background and Expertise

Gemma holds a degree in Modern History and Modern Languages from the University of Oxford, complemented by a Master’s degree in Economic Public Policy from Princeton University.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment, following the successful conclusion of a significant free trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This agreement marks a substantial achievement for both the UK and the Gulf nations, representing a critical step in the ongoing effort to enhance the economy through strategic trade agreements that yield tangible benefits for communities across the UK.

Vision for Trade and Investment

Gemma Stevenson expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, “Our work on trade and investment transcends the mere exchange of goods, services, and capital. It embodies shared ambitions, trust, and relationships that foster innovation and growth. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with both government and private sector partners throughout the Middle East and Pakistan to unlock these opportunities.”

Gemma takes over from Sarah Mooney, who has been serving in an interim capacity since early 2025. Sarah remarked on her tenure, saying, “It has been an honour to lead the Department for Business and Trade in the Middle East and Pakistan, supporting the government’s growth mission. Throughout my time in the region, I have witnessed the vast opportunities available for UK businesses, alongside a genuine desire from regional countries to strengthen their partnership with the UK for mutual economic advancement.”

Responsibilities of the HM Trade Commissioner

The HM Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for the Middle East and Pakistan plays a crucial role in collaborating with the broader diplomatic network and other government colleagues to coordinate efforts aimed at promoting UK trade and prosperity abroad.

The HMTC bears comprehensive responsibility for all initiatives within the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) concerning the Middle East and Pakistan. This includes:

• Enhancing the overall trade and investment relationship.
• Facilitating improved market access for British enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).
• Developing trade policies that align with the UK’s strategic objectives.

In pursuit of these objectives, the HMTC works in close partnership with UK-based government colleagues, ambassadors, and the broader diplomatic community in the region.