About

James E. Harris is the Strategic Advisor – Middle East for CWEIC.  In his appointment he will assist CWEIC in strengthening its capacity in the Middle East, and to support and facilitate trade and investment across the Commonwealth from a UAE hub, including attracting new CWEIC members/partners, and providing practical support to existing CWEIC members seeking to do business in the region.

As Honorary Consul for Vanuatu to the United Kingdom in London and, as a special advisor to Vanuatu’s Ministry of Climate Change, James has an already extensive involvement with the Commonwealth, including serving as CWEIC advisory council member for Pacific Trade Invest and as a Commonwealth Foundation Executive Committee member.

His involvement in the Middle East stems from his establishment of an office in Dubai to support Vanuatu’s participation at Dubai Expo 2020.  The operation was subsequently repurposed in support of Vanuatu’s attendance at COP28 in 2023 and is now enhancing its remit to offer a Middle East platform from which CWEIC can expand its reach in the region.

Committed to supporting the Commonwealth thrive and prosper as a globally relevant organisation, James believes that trade and investment-related activities are the best way in which to raise awareness of and opportunities for the Commonwealth in the Middle East.