The UK's GDP2 billion (US$3.2 billion) maritime services sector moved to build ties with China's shipping industry at the 3rd International Shipping Strategic Development Forum in Shanghai organised by the trade promotional body Maritime London.

With high profile support from the Lord Mayor of the City of London David Wooton who opened the forum, the event was attended by 450 and brought together some of the UK's leading maritime professionals and China's shipowners and charterers.

 "The City of London remains the world's pre-eminent financial centre - and a central part of its competitive offer is the comprehensive range of maritime services we offer - services which make us the natural partner of choice for China, in all sectors and for all maritime business in particular," said Lord Mayor Wooton.

 "Ours are great trading nations and great trading cities. The UK itself is the leading global centre for maritime services, and we are keen to co-operate with other important centres, such as Shanghai - not least because the focus of ship owning and operating has moved increasingly eastwards in recent years, not least due to China's economic growth - and the UK possesses the business services that help facilitate that."

 Said Maritime London CEO Doug Barrow: "Maritime London enjoys a strong working relationship with both businesses and the Chinese authorities and we will continue to build on these relationships to ensure that the rapidly growing Chinese shipping sector continues to partner with the UK's maritime lawyers, shipbrokers, financiers, insurers, designers, surveyors, ship managers and educators."

(Source:tradewinds)