Welcoming the Department for International Trade’s new Export Strategy the British Ports Association (BPA) has highlighted the role that ports play handling 95% of the UK’s International trade in goods. Commenting on the Strategy the BPA’s Chief Executive, Richard Ballantyne said:
“The new Export Strategy outlines how Government and businesses can work together to promote UK products and exports globally, as well as improving supply chains. In terms of goods, the UK is an import driven economy, however, there are real opportunities to increase exports to Europe and beyond. Ports are certainly ready to help facilitate the Government’s aims. Ports are vital to trade and it is essential that they are given the right economic and regulatory conditions to grow and develop to make trading easier and more efficient. We are working with industry partners in Maritime UK to ensure that the UK Industrial Strategy recognises our sector and the important economic role that ports play in terms of trade and employment, both nationally and in coastal regions. We are also discussing the value of ports to supply chains and trade generally with the Department for International Trade, and ports want to play their role in supporting the Government achieve its export targets and ambitions.”
The Export Strategy was launched by the Department for International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox today and sets out the Government’s long-term ambition to increase total exports as a proportion of GDP from 30% to 35%. The Strategy aims to encourage more businesses to export, providing businesses with advice and practical assistance on exporting and working with large companies to help build the capability of UK supply chains, and connect UK businesses to overseas buyers and markets.