Maritime U.K. and the Department of International Trade (DIT) will lead a three-day trade mission to Shanghai at the end of March to promote the U.K. as a center for global maritime business.
Attended by senior industry and government leaders from both countries, including Shipping and Ports Minister, John Hayes MP, and Trade Minister, Mark Garnier MP, the mission has been timed to coincide with the RMS Queen Mary 2’s visit to Shanghai during its East Asian tour. The iconic vessel will be used to promote U.K. excellence across shipping, ports, marine and business services and will play host to pioneering companies from across the maritime sector, a number of which are visiting China for the first time.
“The U.K. and China are two of the world’s leading maritime powers, and this trade mission is designed to further strengthen relations between our two countries, delivering benefits for both markets,“ said David Dingle CBE, Chairman of Maritime U.K.
“As the U.K .triggers Article 50 and looks to a future outside the European Union, the maritime sector has a unique and critical role in ensuring the country makes a success of Brexit. With a resolve to increase exports and sign ambitious trade deals with countries across the world the maritime industry has a unique opportunity to make ‘Global Britain’ a reality, and it is ready to do so.
“The trade and investment relationship between the U.K. and China has deepened over recent years, and during the visit Maritime U.K. and the DIT will be collaborating with the Pudong New Area to identify new maritime trade and investment opportunities for both the U.K. and China.”
David Dingle, who is also Chairman of Carnival U.K. added, “A significant number of British companies are already working with China and we are looking forward to opening new chapters in these relationships, and beginning others.”
Following the Shanghai visit, the Maritime U.K. Chairman and Shipping and Ports Minister will visit Hong Kong to meet with the Hong Kong Shipowners Association.
Maritime critical to Brexit success
Leaving the European Union, the U.K. will have the opportunity to forge new trade deals with countries around the world, including some of the most exciting, dynamic and fastest growing economies, according to Maritime U.K.
The maritime industry is the engine and enabler of international trade, and as other industries resolve to boost their own exports to make a success of Brexit, the U.K. maritime industry is ready to deliver British goods to the rest of the world on U.K. ships and through U.K. ports.
Directly supporting 500,000 jobs, the maritime industry contributes £22.2 billion to U.K. GDP and drives exports and inward investment throughout the U.K.
