Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the UK Parliament’s Business and Trade Committee, briefed Asia House Corporate Members on the UK’s strategic approach to deepening engagement with the Asia-Pacific region on Thursday 26 June.

In his remarks, Byrne highlighted that the Asia-Pacific is entering a period of unprecedented growth—economically, demographically, and geopolitically—and that the UK must act decisively to seize the window of opportunity. With two-thirds of the global middle class soon residing in Asia, demand for high-quality goods and services is set to surge across sectors where the UK already leads, including financial services, clean tech, higher education, advanced manufacturing, and luxury brands.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the Business and Trade Committee’s forthcoming report on the Asia-Pacific, Byrne laid out a case for a more assertive and coordinated approach to commercial diplomacy. He also highlighted the need to activate the UK’s full spectrum of strategic assets—from defence alliances and digital trade leadership to the country’s unrivalled soft power and expertise in green finance. He explained that only a whole-of-government strategy focused on positioning the UK as Asia-Pacific’s trusted partner of choice would be sufficient.

Members raised questions on a wide range of topics including the recent China audit and the future scope of parliamentary inquiries, plus the UK’s growing AI capabilities and support for SMEs. Members also asked for further insight into the UK’s strategies related to industry and critical minerals.

Chaired by Asia House Chief Executive Michael Lawrence OBE, the session provided members with valuable insights into the Committee’s direction and the strategic urgency of aligning UK trade policy with the shifting centre of global economic gravity. 

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