LONDON (Reuters) - Some of Britain's top private sector leaders have been appointed business ambassadors to promote overseas trade, the government said yesterday.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who is visiting China this week, said the ambassadors will help British businesses to recognise and exploit opportunities abroad.

"Their knowledge, skill and dedication to British business will play a key role in opening markets, increasing trade and encouraging investment," Cameron said of the 30 new business envoys.

The business ambassadors include: Royal Dutch Shell director Malcolm Brinded; Richard Lambert, head of the Confederation of British Industry; Anthony Bamford of the JCB business group; John Browne of the Royal Academy of Engineering; the former Lord Mayor of London David Brewer; Sarah Hogg of the Financial Reporting Council; David Reid, chairman of Tesco.

They will not be paid for their new roles.