Planning minister Bob Neill has insisted that talk of the Thames Gateway's demise is wrong despite abolition of the quangos and says he intends to be a partner in the planned new leadership body.
Speaking at the Thames Gateway Forum, Mr Neill said the Gateway remains open for business.
He hailed its part in projects like Crossrail and Dagenham's Sustainable Industries Park and announced a review of the strategic transport programme for north Kent.
"Rumours of the Thames Gateway's demise are somewhat wide of the mark," he said.
"In the future the Government will play its part, being a full partner in making it a better place. We will work tirelessly on the Thames Gateway's behalf - promoting it at home and abroad, making a success of the Olympics and infrastructure schemes like Crossrail, and providing the people and places of the Thames Gateway with the tools they need to make it a success."
The Government recently announced plans to wind up the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation but Mr Neill said the plethora of bodies would be simplified into the new Thames Gateway Strategic Group.
He called for people to work together in the new body.
"It is your Thames Gateway," he said.
"Its future lies in your hands. Let's work together with the Thames Gateway Strategic Group and local people in the years ahead to continue its success. We're putting power back in the hands of local people and their representatives."
