Chief Secretary launches consultation on freeports at ABP’s Port of Southampton

The announcement marks the next phase in the development of free-ports, which have the potential to boost trade and economic growth in regions around the UK.

During the visit, the Chief Secretary met with ABP senior leadership to discuss the role ABP’s ports could play in delivering the policy.

Several ABP ports offer large areas of development land close to deep water, ideal for facilitating the efficient import of raw materials, components and export of finished products. Freeports can enhance these advantages, making the sites even more attractive for investment in new manufacturing.

Rishi Sunak MP, said: “Visiting the Port of Southampton brought home why the company’s mission to boost every part of the UK is so crucial. Freeports will unleash the potential in historic ports, boosting and re-generating communities across the UK. They will attract new business-es, spreading jobs, investments and opportunities to towns and cities up and down the country.

“This is all part of being an open, outward-looking country, championing global free trade with vibrant Freeports that work for all of the UK. ABP urges Southampton and all other ports across the country to start pre-paring their Freeport applications, ready for the competitive process which will follow the 10 week consultation.” ABP has been a strong supporter of freeports since the publication of Rishi Sunak’s paper 'The Free Ports Opportunity' in 2016.

ABP Chief Commercial Officer, Julian Walker, said: “ABP welcomes the government’s announcement of a consultation on developing freeports. The company believes that freeports can increase the ability of ports to drive trade and economic growth by boosting the UK’s manufacturing base and exports. The ports in Southampton, on the Humber and in South Wales offer ideal locations for port centric manufacturing and this policy can help turn this ambition into reality.”

The consultation will gather expert views from across industry and is due to run until 20 April 2020.

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/ports-terminals/14022020/chief-secretary-launches-consultation-on-freeports-at-abps-port-of-southampton/