His international London is Open road trip will cross Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Madrid and Warsaw in March. During his travels, Khan will talk to EU representatives, politicians, business leaders and city officials to calm Brexit impact
as Article 50 is triggered. The formal EU negotiations will see Khan attempt to retain ties of the historic, economic and cultural variety between London and the cities he will visit. The nighttime economy is among commonalities he will promote, building on the arrival of both
the night tube, and
a night czar. As part of his London is Open programme, the mayor will insist the UK capital will remain a destination that welcomes work, study and tourism. He plans to tell EU representatives in Brussels that London and European cities must remain closer than ever following Brexit, ensuring London is open to overseas trade with the continent. “I promised to be the most pro-business Mayor this city has ever seen and it is vital that we demonstrate to our partners overseas that despite Brexit we remain open to business, investment, talent and ideas,” said Khan. “London will remain the best place in the world to do business and our collaboration with other major European cities will not cease.” Khan made the reveal as part of the Mayor’s International Business Programme, which
supports London SMEs seeking overseas growth. He previously
travelled to the US with 23 leaders from the companies in tow to build bonds in New York and Chicago, and will also work alongside entrepreneurs for his European journey. Following that trip, a number of deals are in the pipeline for delegates and one business has even doubled revenue since the autumn trip. “The companies which have taken part in my Business Programme are globally focused and outward looking and have helped forge new trade deals, new partnerships and links with cities overseas,” said Khan. “By scaling up their businesses across international markets they show exactly how London is open, innovative and at the forefront of global business, tech and finance. I am determined to continue to help them make inroads into new markets and look forward to working with them across Europe in March.”
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