MALVERN’s MP Harriett Baldwin has been rewarded for her efforts to build links between the UK and Russia with a prestigious trade post.
Prime Minister David Cameron has appointed Mrs Baldwin as his trade envoy to Russia in recognition of her efforts over the past three years.
She has already led a successful trade mission to Bryansk in Russia and helped lift a ban which will allow British farmers to sell their meat products to Russia for the first time since 1992.
The West Worcestershire MP has also hosted visits by regional governors and last month welcomed Russian Federation Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev to Parliament.
Harriett, who speaks fluent Russian and studied Russian literature at university, also chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group for Russia.
The Prime Minister made the announcement during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and Mrs Baldwin said she was honoured to have taken the role.
“Russia the UK’s fastest growing export market. I have seen this in my own constituency when I brought Russian visitors to Morgan Motors,” she said.
Mrs Baldwin declared the Vale open for business when she held discussions with Russian ministers and businessmen on a whistle-stop tour last April.
The MP hosted a special visit by a delegation from the Bryansk region of Russia, made up of senior politicians and representatives from the business sector in a bid to boost business in the area and develop global links.
The visit followed Mrs Baldwin’s visit to Russia last year and her growing relationship with the Russian Federation Government has led to the country’s ban on importing British beef being lifted.
“I will lead a trip to Russia in the spring to meet with fellow Parliamentarians and I am particularly keen to hear from small and medium sized businesses who are keen to go into the Russian market for the first time.”
