Ahead of the triggering of Article 50, Maritime UK and the Department of International Trade (DIT) have announced that they will lead a unique three-day trade mission to Shanghai at the end of March to promote the UK as The World’s Maritime Centre, providing a complete package 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 UK 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 trade mission comes ahead of the UK Prime Minister’s scheduled visit to China in May.
“The UK 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,“ says David Dingle CBE, Chairman of Maritime UK.
“As the UK 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 UK and China has deepened over recent years, and during the visit Maritime UK and the DIT will be collaborating with the Pudong New Area to identify new maritime trade and investment opportunities for both the UK and China.
David Dingle, who is also Chairman of Carnival UK adds:
”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 UK Chairman and Shipping and Ports Minister will visit Hong Kong to meet with the Hong Kong Shipowners Association.
Source: Maritime UK
