Ports around the North East have backed a Government drive to set up 鈥榝reeports鈥 in the 海角视频, saying that the initiative could help regenerate coastal towns in the region.
A Government consultation on setting up freeports closed this week, with reports suggesting that Chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to announce 10 freeports in his autumn Budget.
Freeports are areas with different customs rules to the rest of the country, with backers saying they can help create thousands of jobs. Opponents say they simply move jobs from other parts of the country, however, and make tax avoidance and money laundering easier.
Port bosses in the North East have contributed to the Government consultation, with the Port of Tyne calling for a 鈥榲irtual free trade zone鈥 in the North East going beyond the port鈥檚 boundaries to take in key regional employers, such as Nissan and Komatsu.
Matt Beeton, Port of Tyne chief executive officer, said: 鈥淎 digitally connected freeport through the Port of Tyne with an emphasis on regional clusters would be an opportunity to build on the foundations the existing businesses in the region have built over many years, whilst also attracting new investment into the region.
鈥淭he Port continues to spearhead the case for a digitally connected, multi-site free trade zone covering the region鈥檚 nationally significant logistics, manufacturing and development sites. Our eventual bid will build upon the Port鈥檚 industry leading position across innovation and decarbonisation to ensure that our global operations remain at the centre of the North East鈥檚 export-focused economy.鈥
The North East LEP is lobbying for the region to get free trade zones, with support from the Ports of Blyth, Tyne and Sunderland.
Port of Blyth chief executive Martin Lawlor, who is currently chair of the British Ports Association, said: 鈥淲e fully support the freeports initiative and have played a full role in the consultation, sharing a number of key points with the panel.
鈥淔reeports will provide an important opportunity for much needed growth in coastal areas and will generate both jobs and inward investment. We also support the principle of freeport zones across a number of sites and look forward to liaising with the Government further on this opportunity.鈥
On Teesside, Teesport operator PD Ports said freeport status could enable the Tees Valley to capitalise on its strengths as a leading chemicals and manufacturing centre.
Jerry Hopkinson, PD Ports COO and vice chairman, said: 鈥淧D Ports is a longstanding supporter of freeports and we were delighted to welcome ministers to announce their plans last year.
鈥淏oth ourselves and the Tees Valley Combined Authority have highlighted the transformative potential that freeport status offers and we鈥檝e worked hard to see how we can bring that potential to reality.
鈥淎s the custodians of the River Tees, we share the ambition of both local and national Government our partners across the region and, most importantly our fellow citizens in the Tees Valley to work together to use freeport status to win new investment, drive regeneration and create thousands of jobs here on Teesside.鈥
