Freeport East is an exciting initiative which will bring huge benefits economically to the East of England.
The main benefits will be:
- Bolstering the area's existing reputation as a gateway to the world
- Creating a hotbed of innovation, particularly in green energy
- Providing much-needed economic regeneration to some of the poorest areas in the UK - delivering on our promise to level up Britain
Our ports are already our gateway to the world, with the Port of Felixstowe being the UK's biggest container port and the main gateway to the Far East. Harwich is one of the UK's key links to Northern Europe.
Freeport status presents a unique opportunity for the ports to cement this position, and achieve the government's vision of a truly global Britain, benefitting local businesses in the process.
The port already has innovation at its heart, due to its proximity to North Sea and Thames estuary wind farms; new nuclear power stations at Sizewell and Bradwell; and the support of companies such as Ryse Hydrogen and EDF Energy. Freeport status will allow the East of England to become a leader in clean energy innovation for the benefit of all businesses in the area.
We have several local neighbourhoods amongst the 10% most deprived in England, with higher than average levels of worklessness. The Freeport bid will transform lives, working with schools and colleges to bring new training schemes and new employment.
You can find out more and keep up with the project's progress by following @FreeportEast on Twitter.
