Liverpool leaders sign economic agreement with Chinese city

Liverpool leaders have signed a new Friendship Partnership Agreement with Kunming, China, in a bid to build on the cities’ existing ties and develop a mutually beneficial relationship.

The agreement is the culmination of discussions between Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson and the Kunming government’s Vice Mayor during a trade mission to China last September.

Liverpool’s Vice Mayor, Gary Millar, signed the agreement with Vice Mayor Zhao Xuenong at a ceremony on Thursday (February 25).

Cllr Millar, who is the cabinet member for Business, Enterprise and Investment, said: “Alongside the opportunities to further our trade links with China, there is fantastic potential to share and explore each other’s diverse cultural heritage, creating a rich, vibrant dialogue and positive exchange of ideas.

“This relationship creates a very positive platform from which we can deepen our connection with Kunming and explore how our two cities can mutually benefit each other on a cultural, economic, and educational level.”

He continued: “We’re excited at the prospect of welcoming the Kunming delegation to Liverpool for the International Festival for Business 2016 and look forward continuing to develop our relationship over the coming years.”

As part of the agreement, the two cities will look to deliver economic benefits by collaborating on activities in trade and investment, technology and science, education, culture and tourism.

Ellen Cutler, the director of inward investment agency Invest Liverpool, was also at the ceremony.

She commented: “Following on from the positive discussions between Vice Mayor Guan Qinghua and Mayor Anderson, we’re delighted to be in Kunming to formally acknowledge our close partnership with this great city.

“Liverpool is a vibrant and exciting city, which offers great opportunities for investment and we’re very pleased to be exploring this potential with Chinese organisations and businesses. This visit has helped us to identify valuable synergies with key Chinese cities and strengthen our engagement with China.”

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