Indonesia has become the first country in the world to have a UK Export Finance (UKEF) Country Head to be based in-country. Richard Michael has been appointed to the newly-created post in Jakarta, leading UKEF’s efforts to grow the UK-Indonesia trading relationship.

UKEF is the UK Government’s Export Credit Agency, helping buyers around the world to trade with UK suppliers by offering attractive financing options. Through this local presence in Jakarta, UKEF will be better placed to deliver competitive and innovative finance to Indonesian companies and public bodies doing business with the UK.

British Ambassador to Indonesia Moazzam Malik said:

The choice of Indonesia as UKEF’s first overseas presence demonstrates the importance the UK attaches to the further development of Indonesia as a key trading and investment partner. There are significant opportunities for the two countries to cooperate in the key priority sectors as identified by the current administration, such as infrastructure, and where the UK can add a lot of value.

Richard Michael, the new country head for UKEF in Indonesia said:

In addition to its market-leading product range, UKEF is one of the few export credit agencies able to provide finance in local currencies, including the Rupiah. UKEF is very much open for business in Indonesia, with billions of dollars in capacity now available for the country.

Mr Michael will be based in the British Embassy in Jakarta, working closely with the teams involved in promoting the UK-Indonesia business relationship.

Notes to Editors:

A No 10 spokesperson said:

The Prime Minister spoke to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on the phone earlier this evening.

They spoke about the recent phase of political talks in Northern Ireland and of their disappointment that an agreement had not yet been reached to restore an Executive.

Both leaders recognised the progress and serious engagement made by the parties.

The Prime Minister said she believed there was scope for agreement and reiterated the UK Government’s priority was still to get devolution up and running again in Northern Ireland.

They agreed to continue to stay in close contact as the parties reflect on the best way forward to re-establish devolved Government in Northern Ireland.

The UK has been following closely the past week’s events in Ethiopia. We share outgoing Prime Minister Hailemariam’s view that this is a concerning time for a country that is our friend and our partner. We welcome the commitment to an orderly process of political change in line with the constitution, as well as his repeated support for a continued reform process.

Against that backdrop we are, however, concerned and disappointed by the decision to impose a new State of Emergency. It sends a discouraging signal to the international community and foreign investors. We strongly hope that the announcement does not signal a reversal in Ethiopia’s recent moves towards reform, and that it will be in place for as short a time as possible. In implementing the State of Emergency, we urge the Government of Ethiopia to ensure that human rights and the constitution are respected. Widespread use of detention powers and internet blockages should be avoided.

We call on the Government to ensure a rapid, peaceful, transparent and constitutional transition to a new leadership that continues and accelerates the reform process. The UK is a long-term friend of Ethiopia and we continue to stand ready to support a purposeful and progressive reform agenda.

International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt and USAID Administrator Mark Green

Prior to his appointment as Deputy Chair of the VisitEngland Advisory Board, Nigel has served a four year term as a Board Member of VisitEngland during a time of major change for the organisation. Nigel has made a significant contribution to VisitEngland, including the establishment of the Discover England Fund and the outsourcing of the Quality Assurance Schemes to the AA. He has also served on the Audit Committee of the British Tourism Authority.

Nigel is an experienced Non-Executive Director with a portfolio spanning the public, private and charitable sectors. He sits on two PLC board and is a Trustee of the EY Foundation and the Polka Theatre for Children. Nigel was formerly the Managing Partner Markets for EY in the UK & Ireland, responsible for major clients, including hospitality and leisure businesses.

The role is not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Nigel has declared no such political activity.