Around 300 MPs, maritime and UK manufacturing industry leaders gathered at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for a reception to highlight the importance of the ports and maritime in boosting UK exports. The event was held in support of the Government’s Exporting is GREAT campaign and was addressed by International Trade Minister, Mark Garnier MP, Shipping Minister John Hayes and ABP Chief Executive, James Cooper. The event also showcased the strength of the UK’s maritime offer and underlined its key role in helping Britain forge a prosperous future post-Brexit. International Trade Minister Mark Garnier: “The UK’s maritime industry generates an impressive £22 billion for our economy. Our ports provide British businesses with a gateway to the global market, with 95 per cent of Britain’s trade in goods currently moved by sea. “Boosting exports would be impossible without the support of our thriving maritime sector and we will continue to work together with Britain’s ports to help secure our place as a global trading nation.” James Cooper, ABP Chief Executive, said: “Britain is a maritime nation. We shouldn’t take for granted the role our world class ports and infrastructure, skills, marine technology and services play in the UK economy and how much more they are capable of delivering with the right support from Government. Capitalising on this fantastic mix of maritime assets will be vital if the UK is to continue to prosper in the world post Brexit.” Maritime Nation aims to raise awareness of the vital contribution of the marine and maritime sector and how it provides vital access to European and global markets for UK manufacturers. Maritime Nation brings together a number of organisations, including ABP and the Port of Dover, and supports the Department for International Trade’s Exporting is GREAT campaign. The campaign builds on three principles: 1) Ports and maritime are critical for UK trade; 2) Britain should build on its strengths as a maritime nation and 3) Britain should have a global trading outlook.