Merseyside leaders in fresh bid to strengthen economic ties with China

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson and Cllr Phil Davies, the leader of Wirral Council, are preparing to lead a business delegation to China to shore up international relations and explore new opportunities for investment.

The visit, which is the first time the two Merseyside leaders have made a joint international trip, marks a renewed focus on developing links with China.

Two week-long trips will take City Region business leaders to Tianjin, a port city in Northeastern China, and to Qingdao and Shanghai in the South West of the country. Cllr Gary Millar, the Assistant Mayor of Liverpool and Mayoral Lead for Business and International Trade, will lead the second visit.

Both are being coordinated by economic growth accelerator Invest Liverpool, with the overall aim being to give local firms a chance to develop business and investment opportunities and promote the Liverpool City Region as a suitable location for Chinese investment.

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson, who is also the chair of the City Region Combined Authority, said: “Liverpool City Region’s relationship with key Chinese cities like Kunming and Guiyang is flourishing and we’re looking forward to deepening these links during this important visit and showcasing the business opportunities available.

“It’s great to be joined by Wirral Leader Phil Davies on this journey, we’re very committed to working together and securing the best results for the city region as a whole and look forward to having a very productive visit.”

Cllr Phil Davies, the Leader of Wirral Council, commented: “The city region is a great proposition for international investors and we have a fantastic visit itinerary lined up for participating companies which should enable them to build on and strengthen existing relationships, develop new contacts and open up potential markets.

“We’re focused on developing new opportunities for investment to flow both ways and to capitalise on the synergies that exist between businesses in Merseyside and China.”

He added: “We are also looking forward to visiting our sister city Taicang during the trip.”

The first delegation will be in South West China and Tianjin from October 22 – 29 and focus on businesses and institutions in sectors such as tourism and culture, creative, digital and IT, healthcare, and urban development and planning.

The group will also head out to Yunnan Province capital Kunming, which signed a Friendship Partnership Agreement with Liverpool back in February.

The second trip, running from October 29 to November 4, will visit Shanghai and Qingdao to explore business opportunities in sectors including creative, digital and IT, manufacturing, shipping and logistics, property development and investment, and tourism and culture

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