LONDON, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Britain's post-referendum challenges can be turned into tomorrow's opportunities, government business secretary, Sajid Javid said Sunday.
Javid, who had backed remaining in the EU, said his job was to ensure Britain remain's open for business.
Javid's comments were released by the Department for Business, Skills and Innovation after being published in London's Sunday Times.
Headlining his message "together, we will make Brexit work for British business," Javid wrote: "Like me, most business leaders wanted the UK to remain in the EU. With the pound on a rollercoaster ride and UK stocks taking a hit, you could be forgiven for thinking the result of this week's referendum was a disaster for employers and employees alike.
"But a clear majority of the country wanted us to leave. My job now is to put the wishes of the people into action to ensure the UK remains open for business, continues to grow and continues to thrive. Despite the current turmoil and uncertainty, I genuinely believe there are grounds for optimism," he added,
"Over the past 6 years, we've worked hard to make Britain one of the best places in the world to start and grow a business. More British people are in work than ever before - during the last Parliament more jobs were created in Birmingham than in the whole of France. The UK is still one of the biggest economies in the world."
He added: "For all the downsides of leaving, opportunities really do exist. Freed from Brussels' more bureaucratic tendencies we will be able to tackle the excessive red tape that can choke small businesses. We will also be able to make our tax system even more competitive, helping local businesses to grow and attracting investment from overseas."
Describing the international element as particularly important, Javid said afresh start also gives a unique opportunity to shape a bright future for the UK as a global trading nation and open economy.
"But that chance will be squandered if we react to the referendum result by pulling down the shutters and turning our backs on the world," he warned.
Javid, responding to complaints about "unrestricted migration" Javid said it's vital they are addressed "if we're going to tackle the rising tide of anti-politics, anti-business sentiment."
He said tightening Britain's borders cannot mean barring the door. "For centuries, foreign businesses, foreign investors and skilled foreign workers have come to the UK and helped build the world-beating economy we have today. That outward-looking attitude must continue."
He plans to stress his optimistic lesson when he holds a roundtable meeting this week with dozens of senior figures from across Britain's economy. That's why I'm confident that, together, we can turn today's challenges into tomorrow's opportunities," he concluded.
