UKTI delegation visits Port of Tyne

Lord Green, Minister for Trade and Investment, visited the Port of Tyne as part of a UKTI trade and investment delegation to the region.

The visit coincided with the North East Chamber of Commerce Exporters’ Dinner where Lord Green delivered the keynote speech.  He will present the awards recognising businesses and individuals in the North East who through exporting achievements are making a significant contribution to both the region and the UK.

During their time at the Port of Tyne the delegation from the UKTI will tour some of the port’s 600 acres of operational areas and hear about export and import traffic through the Port as well as areas of future growth opportunities in renewable energy and offshore wind.

Andrew Moffat, Chief Executive Officer, Port of Tyne said: “The Port is a good indicator of business and trade generally, and has taken advantage of the opportunities in the developing energy markets and car manufacturing.  The Port recently became the number one for car exports in the UK and there has also been increased growth in exports in containerised shipping and in scrap metal, grain and recycling products.”

Port of Tyne handled an estimated £10 billion worth of cargoes in 2010 – 60% of which was for export.

Lord Green said: "I am delighted to be visiting the Port of Tyne today.  With the region enjoying its best ever quarter for the export of goods and services, the Port of Tyne plays an important role as a major trading hub enabling North East firms to take their exports to international markets in Europe and beyond.

"I look forward to continued success in the region as UK Trade and Investment continues to work with businesses to drive forward exports.  This is good news for North East firms and for the UK economy as whole."

Published: 15/07/2011