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MinisterialForeword

By Robert Goodwill, UK Minister for Shipping and Ports

T
he international maritime sector is a Government and maritime industries recognise
constantly evolving and dynamic market that it will not be possible to simply rest on our

place. The global network of shipping, ports laurels and trade off of our proud maritime

and associated business services drive the world’s history. To maintain our competitive edge we have
economy and are instrumental in delivering the commissioned a study to examine how we will

vast majority of the goods required by modern grow our maritime and marine industries and to
21st century economies. In our interconnected ensure the UK remains a world class destination

and globalised world, maritime has an increasingly for global maritime business. The maritime
important role to play in delivering sustained growth study is a statement of intent and

economic growth.demonstrates this Government’s commitment to,
The importance of the maritime and marine and support for, the UK’s maritime industries.

sector is not lost on Her Majesty’s Government. I therefore welcome the return of London
As a world class maritime centre, the UK’s International Shipping Week following the

shipping, ports, marine engineering and maritime success of the inaugural week in 2013. As

business services are central to our prosperity a leading maritime centre, the UK is at the
and the growth of our economy, contributingforefront of the international maritime agenda.

at least £11.8bn each year. The UK’s maritime Our diverse and vibrant maritime clusters drive
offering is already one of the strongest ininnovation and technological change at a global

the world with global businesses able to take level. For these reasons the UK provides the
advantage of a competitive and stable tax ideal backdrop for London International Shipping

regime, a trusted and respected lag, of world Week which seeks to lead global thought on the
class education and training and unparalleled challenges and opportunities facing the sector

professional expertise in maritime business over the coming decade.
services and marine engineering.I look forward to welcoming you to, what I am

However, in a world of increasing competition sure will be, an exciting and successful London

and technological innovation, we in the UKInternational Shipping Week 2015. l

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