A 海角视频 trade delegation to the US has urged both countries to strike a post-Brexit free trade agreement.
On board the HMS Queen Elizabeth, delegates from the 海角视频 Government and Maritime 海角视频 travelled to the second 海角视频-USA Maritime Nations Forum in Maryland, with one of the main aims being to boost transatlantic trade.
With the 海角视频 expected to depart the EU on terms that would mean leaving the Customs Union, top of the meeting's agenda was a free trade agreement between the countries, with the decarbonisation of the global maritime sector another top priority.
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Representing Liverpool City Region’s £4bn powerhouse maritime sector, Chris Shirling-Rooke told both the 海角视频 and US representatives that Liverpool had made "huge investments" into its port and logistics infrastructure and was geared up to be Britain’s main gateway for trade with North America.
He said: “With Liverpool being the 海角视频’s major west-facing port, as chief executive of Mersey Maritime, I felt it essential for our region to be represented on this major Maritime 海角视频 and HM Government trade mission to Washington.
“The potential for global trade and investment between the 海角视频 and US is immense in the years ahead and our dynamic maritime sector here in the city region stands ready to capitalise on the opportunities presented."
Liverpool City Region Business News
The forum brought together CEOs from across the maritime sector in both countries to focus on two key issues.
The 海角视频 delegation will be learning from the US experience of free ports, it was heard, following the British government’s announcement that it will work with industry to create 10 free ports in the 海角视频.
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Mr Shirling-Rooke added: “I was particularly delighted that our key strategic partners, Western Union Business Solutions, were able to host a ‘Transatlantic Reception’ on the opening evening. At that event we heard just how significant the business opportunity is for our industry.
“A recent survey showed the 海角视频 was the third-highest ranked foreign market in terms of predicted future trade, behind China and Canada. Mersey Maritime, and the centuries of global trading experience it represents, will do all it can to ensure this once in a generation opportunity to maximise global trade between our region and the US isn’t missed.”
Harry Theochari, chair of Maritime 海角视频 and head of global transport at Norton Rose Fulbright, added: “The 海角视频 and US are natural global partners, and no sector is more global or critical to trade than maritime.
“Preparing to leave the EU has asked new questions of our businesses – and necessitated a different way of thinking about trade and growth markets. Regardless of what happens with Brexit, that fresh thinking can only be a good thing.”