Rail & HS2 Minister Huw Merriman MP has been supporting the UK rail supply sector’s exports efforts in Abu Dhabi, UAE, attending and supporting the Middle East Rail expo on 15-16 May. Over 30 UK rail businesses exhibited in the UK Pavilion, which was developed in partnership by the Department for Business & Trade (DBT), the UK Railway Industry Association (RIA) and Intec Export Intelligence.
In addition to giving an address at the show, Minister Merriman visited and talked to exhibitors in the UK Pavilion many of whom are RIA members, and he also engaged with UAE and other Middle East rail stakeholder. The visit helped promote UK rail’s exports offer and underlined the fact that UK rail already has a strong global reputation, with the supply chain exporting its world-leading products, services and capability to many overseas markets.
Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “It was a pleasure to attend the recent Middle East Rail expo and meet many of the innovative UK supply chain businesses using rail to help boost trade and jobs.
“Collaboration with the rail industry across the globe is vital in identifying new export opportunities and sharing expertise to build a better, stronger railway here at home.”
Darren Caplan, RIA Chief Executive, said: “Rail exports from the UK are immensely valuable, totalling some £600-800m, helping boost trade and jobs, and supporting UK businesses of all shapes and sizes.
“Having high-level backing from the UK Government can only help UK rail exports grow even more, at a time when we are striving to help build a “Global Britain”. So we are grateful to Rail & HS2 Minister Huw Merriman for supporting UK rail exporters on this work in the Middle East, a region with much railway potential. And we will continue to work closely together to realise rail’s full potential in the future, not just in rail markets at home but abroad too.”
Photo credit: RIA
