THURROCK could find itself at the forefront of a new trade initiative after government ministers confirmed a plan, first broached last year, for up to ten new free ports across the country in a bid to boost international trade.

The government wants to identify locations for the low-tax zones, where materials can be imported, manufactured and exported without tariffs.

Thurrock's Thames riverbank from DP World's London Gateway port in the east to the C.Ro Ports London docks at Purfleet in the west is right at the heart of the UK port industry and most likely to take advantage of any government initiative is the Port of Tilbury.

Charles Hammond, Chief Executive of the Forth Ports Group (owner of eight British ports including Tilbury), welcomed the launch of a government's freeports consultation, confirmed today (Monday, 10 February) and said: "We will seek to take advantage of freeport status as we aim to boost the UK's global trade from our key locations.

"Our network of international connections, streamlined customs systems and developable land close to key markets in the Central Belt of Scotland, Greater London and the South East mean our operations are ideal locations to support existing or fresh manufacturing and processing business opportunities."

Forth Ports Group has expertise in freeport status having held it at Tilbury until 2012.

In the wake of Brexit supporters of free ports say that the new areas will encourage inward investment into the UK as it cuts costs for business in a way that was not possible as a member of the European Union.

Critics claim, however, that the evidence shows that free ports in other countries tend to encourage existing businesses to relocate rather than attracting new investors.

Ministers hope to get the new areas up and running by the end of 2021.