AN expert in multiple sectors, Harjinder Kang’s professional career is a rare amalgam of science and business. Today, he is the director of policy and negotiations at the Department of International Trade (DIT) and the chief negotiator of the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Kang’s career in civil service took off after a decades-long stint in the private sector.
After graduating as a chemist, Kang spent his early career in R&D, helping to develop radiopharmaceuticals and new antibiotics. Later he joined AstraZeneca, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical firms, where he spent almost 30 years serving in several senior roles. He was responsible for leading commercial activity of the AZ organisation for a $2bn business unit operating in 60 countries.
Kang was delighted when he got the opportunity to join the DIT as the director of the healthcare, Life Sciences, and Bio-economy sectors in September 2019. Two years later, he became the chief negotiator for the UK-India FTA.
Kang, who studied at the University of Warwick and Harvard Business School, did well while leading the DIT particularly when they were at the forefront of the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic. Kang loved the challenge and, with his team, proved that he would do everything he could to help Britain’s companies and institutions excel, both at home and abroad.
Kang’s varied experience in the pharmaceutical sector helped him play an equally influential role in policy-making in times of public health crisis. It equipped him well to understand the pulse of problems, manage them and find practical solutions on a grand scale.
As the chief negotiator of the FTA with India, Kang also means business.
Speaking to HSBC Business in September last year, Kang said the UK’s trade relationship with India has always been big. He said the two countries’ trade relationship was worth £24.3 billion in 2021, and with the south Asian economy set to become the world’s third-largest by 2050, any enhancement to the UK’s current trading arrangement with India could be a game-changer.
The chief negotiator remained optimistic after the FTA missed its Diwali 2022 deadline. In October 2022, he said the UK and India trade ministers continued their talks to build a warmer and productive relationship, and the emphasis is on quality and how it benefits the citizens of both nations.
“There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to trade talks – we seek the best deal with the team that’s sitting opposite us at the negotiating table. While we’re working hard toward our shared target to conclude the majority of talks by Diwali, we won't sacrifice quality for speed in securing an agreement that meets the UK’s interests,” he said.
Kang is also the Vice Chair of Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust and a member of the Council of the University of Birmingham.
