Trade and Investment Minister Lord Green today welcomed Etihad Airways to the UK. The national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is setting up a new contact centre in Manchester, creating 160 jobs.

There are more than 5,000 contact centres in the UK, employing nearly one million people. In the past three years, more than 150 international companies have established or expanded contact centre operations in the UK.

Lord Green said:

“I am delighted Etihad Airways has chosen Manchester for its first contact centre in Europe and I wish them every success with their investment.

“The UK is the number one destination for contact centres in Europe and today’s announcement is a boost for Manchester. Etihad has chosen Manchester for its international connections, its strong telecommunications and ICT infrastructure as well as its supply of language talent.”

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