FTA, the voice of the logistics sector, has played a defining role in securing a landmark agreement between the UK and Morocco to grow trade between the two nations. The agreement, reached at the recent Joint Transport Committee, will see quotas of road freight permits doubled between the two nations in 2020 to facilitate increased trade.
John Lucy, FTA’s Manager of International Transport & Trade Procedures, was invited by the Department of Transport (DfT) to share his knowledge at the committee meeting. He comments: “As the UK seeks to enhance its global trading relationships post-Brexit, FTA is keen to offer its assistance and ensure the interests of the UK logistics sector are represented on an international stage wherever possible. As one of the few UK based individuals with an in-depth understanding of the Moroccan freight industry, I am pleased to have been able to assist in this specialised area of international road freight.”
From 1st January 2020 the overall annual quota of road freight permits will more than double. If the UK leaves the EU without an agreement in place, DfT plans to secure rights for UK undertakings to transport between UK and Morocco after the point of No Deal; this agreement will need to be confirmed with the relevant EU authorities.
Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers.
