November 7^th witnessed the visit to SISI made by Doug Barrow, Chief Executive of Maritime London, and Peter Murray, Chief Representative of Ince & Co. International Law Firm. Deputy Secretary Li Gang and Zhang Jieshu received the British guests on behalf of SISI.

The two sides held a friendly exchange on their respective functions and outlook at first. Different from what people may assume, Maritime London is a not for profit trade promotional body for UK based companies which provide professional services to the international shipping industry.  It is solely funded by around 100 companies and organizations from a wide range of disciplines. Ince & Co. for example, is one of its members. The latter is an international commercial law firm renowned for its marine department.

Recognizing the need and potential of cooperation between SISI and Ince & Co., representatives of the two institutions, namely, Peter Murray, and Li Gang, inked a memorandum of understanding on the occasion. According to this MOU, the part of SISI is practically dealt with by her Shipping Policy and Law Institute. Both parties have adequate reasons that the signing of this agreement will unfold their brilliant prospect of cooperation. They have initially agreed to co-host a seminar on shipping financing by the end of November.

This is already Doug Barrow’s second visit to SISI. He first came here in April this year when he attended a seminar on shipping finance. The time he gladly accepted the invitation to give a lecture briefing the basics of Maritime London, and closed the session by answering a couple of questions from the audience.