Opening of the London Stock Exchange
Discussing the importance of shipping and London International Shipping Week at the London Stock Exchange.
I am delighted to be here today (10 September 2013).
And honoured to be asked to open the Stock Exchange during London International Shipping Week.
As an island nation, we have a long maritime tradition.
The winding artery of the Thames running through the metropolis is a constant reminder that shipping has been London바카라 사이트™s lifeblood for centuries.
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Shipping 바카라 사이트“ an engine for growth
But shipping is not just part of the city바카라 사이트™s past. It is a vibrant and dynamic part of its present and future.
London remains the largest maritime centre in the world for professional, business and financial services.
Worth up to £14 billion a year to the UK economy.
And steadily growing - despite challenges facing businesses here and abroad.
Gross tonnage has more than trebled on the UK shipping register over the past decade.
Our quality flag, attractive tonnage tax regime, strong competitive ports, expert maritime business services and vibrant maritime training programmes, together with a stable regulatory framework, make the UK a great place to do maritime business.
The Greenwich Meridian makes us the centre of the shipping world - our central time zone means we can do business with both sides of the world in the same working day.
And let바카라 사이트™s not forget that London is home to the International Maritime Organisation too.
Shipping is an engine for growth, and we want to do everything we can to ensure the UK builds on its leading global position in a world of increasingly strong competition.
Stephen Hammond at the London Stock Exchange
Partnership working
I know government cannot do this alone which is why we have been working with industry to establish strategic partnership plans with the ports and shipping sectors.
These demonstrate a commitment to work together to make sure we deliver conditions in which the UK바카라 사이트™s maritime sector can thrive and grow.
For as the global economy grows, shipping and ports must grow too.
And supporting the partnership plans, we have also launched Open for maritime business, a joint government and industry booklet setting out the UK바카라 사이트™s maritime offer to the global shipping community.
Closing remarks
So what better way to promote London바카라 사이트™s maritime industry, and celebrate London International Shipping Week.
Than to be here opening the London Stock Exchange 바카라 사이트“ a symbol of this city바카라 사이트™s global reach.
Because London is not only a world-leading financial centre, it has an unrivalled track record as a centre of maritime services - both historic and - I believe - in the future.
And I will take every opportunity to promote London as the best place in the world today to do maritime business.
It offers a comprehensive range of services, skills and support for the modern shipping industry.
That바카라 사이트™s why it has been so resilient to the global downturn.
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And that바카라 사이트™s why we바카라 사이트™re proud to be supporting London International Shipping Week.
Thank you