[210119.EN.BIZ] Freight Forwarders Will Clear Up Mess Left Behind By Brexit Politicians: BIFA

BRITISH International Freight Association director general Robert Keen says that with "just a couple of months to go before the exit date, the rejection of the deal leads BIFA to recommend that our members, which are the companies that handle the processing of most of the UK's visible trade, to prepare on the basis that there will be a hard Brexit."

Mr Keen's comments came in response to the decision by the UK Parliament to reject the deal tabled before the European Union which lays out the terms of Brexit, tentatively scheduled for March 29.

"Speculating about any other outcome is inadvisable until UK Government provides us with clear guidelines," Mr Keen said in a statement issued by BIFA.

"A hard deal may well be very disruptive and damaging for the UK economy as a whole but freight forwarders - many of whom are Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) accredited - will play a key role in tidying up the mess left by the politicians by ensuring UK importers and exporters can continue trading without undue disruption with the rest of Europe after March 29.

"BIFA has always stated its belief that a disorderly Brexit would be the worse outcome, as it is likely to increase trade barriers and impose significant restrictions on the exchange of goods between the EU and the UK.

"Whilst BIFA's executive management has engaged with various government departments over the last two years in regards to issues that affect the movement of visible trade post March 29, our members have also been discussing the possible impacts with their clients.

"Large and small, BIFA members have taken actions to review all options to overcome the disorder that a no-deal Brexit could bring to international trade in order to define sustainable solutions as the set of Brexit conditions becomes clearer.

"BIFA will be renewing our appeals to the responsible bodies in London and Brussels to do the utmost to prevent this scenario. As far as we are concerned, our members are focussed on ensuring the ongoing efficient flow of freight for our customers.

"One thing is certain, our members are ready, willing and able, to clear up the mess that has been left by politicians."

Source : HKSG.