Gloucester MP Richard Graham has been reappointed to a major government post responsible for promoting British trade.

Mr Graham has retained his role as the Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and the ASEAN Economic Community.

He highlighted the number of exporters and Queens Awards winners in Gloucestershire, including Severn Glocon, Prima Dental, Helipebs, Avon Metals, Advanced Insulation and Renishaw, as well as Fluid Transfer, Poetons, Neon Play, Only Natural products, BAe systems and Ultra.

"And we shouldn't forget our two universities," he added.

"Today we export more in education than from insurance and both the University of Gloucestershire and the Royal Agricultural University play a part in that.

"In a variety of different sectors Gloucestershire has a good record already in certain Asian markets, but there is even more potential ahead.

"I hope other Trade Envoys will be appointed by the Prime Minister to help our national mission of building exports."

Mr Graham is the longest serving Prime Minister's Trade Envoy in the House of Commons.

He was appointed Trade Envoy to Indonesia in 2012, to the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, and to the Philippines and Malaysia in 2016.

On his latest appointment, he said: "I'm delighted to have been asked to continue this important role to promote British exports to and inward investment from these key South East Asian markets.

"Although our exports have increased there is a lot more that we can do, boosted by a weaker currency, on both goods and services.

"The countries of SE Asia together (ASEAN) represent our third biggest non EU market, and have only just begun to invest institutionally in the UK.

"I'll be back out there later this summer to pursue opportunities for greater co-operation in several sectors including maritime, aerospace and further education as well as seeing what more our expertise in running major sporting events can do to help make a success of the Asian Games.

"This is something I have a particular interest in as I once represented Indonesia at squash, one of the sports in the Games."