Harwich International Port
HARWICH’S bid to become a freeport has been approved by the Government.
Freeport East, a group made up of businesses and local authorities, had called on the Government to assign joint freeport status to Harwich and Felixstowe.
Freeport status means areas will benefit from tax reliefs and simplified customs procedures in order to encourage economic activity, something the Government hopes will boost trade following Brexit.
Freeport East estimates it could create 13,000 new jobs and £500million of investment over the next five years.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced Harwich and Felixstowe as one of eight new freeports during his budget speech in the House of Commons today.