21

Investment support remains a low priority in smaller overseas posts.

Conclusion
Support for investment may not be a priority among embassies’ other responsibilities, particularly in smaller posts where there are only one or two investment deals each year. We asked the Department whether all embassies are focused on investment. The Department told us that each overseas post produces a country plan which needs to reflect the trade and investment objectives that the post must deliver.53 The HM Trade Commissioners are the senior officials overseas with responsibility for trade and investment objectives.54 46 C&AG’s Report, para 2.8, Figure 6 47 Q 26 48 C&AG’s Report, para 2.8 49 Q 26 50 Qq 81–83 51 Q 84 52 Q 81 53 Qq 84–85 54 Q 83 Supporting investment into the UK 15 3 Working across government Improving coordination
Government Response

A response document is linked to this report, dated 24 September 2023. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document.

Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age 3.3 yrs
Report published 09 Jun 2023