Liverpool strengthens China ties with new MOU agreement

The Liverpool City Region has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Qiandongnan Autonomous Prefecture in Guizhou Province, South East China.

A delegation from the region – known for its history, natural environment and strong ethnic culture – came to Liverpool recently to learn more about the city region’s success in becoming a world-renowned visitor destination.

Led by the Deputy Prefect of the People’s Government of Qiandongnan Jiang Xuedong and comprising senior government officials, the delegation sought collaborative opportunities for promoting mutual prosperity and development.

While in the area, the group was taken on a tour that included a dinner and drinks reception, hosted at The Venue in The Liver Building and attended by influential figures from across the city region.

The MOU, signed by Jiang Xuedong and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Lead for Economic Development & Energy, Wirral Council Leader Phil Davies, will see the two regions strengthen their existing ties and create a positive, mutually beneficial relationship.

Ellen Cutler, the director of the city’s inward investment agency, Invest Liverpool, said: “We were delighted to welcome this high-profile delegation from Qiandongnan prefecture to the Liverpool City Region.

“Qiandongnan is an area of outstanding natural beauty in China, with a great heritage in tourism and visitor experience and we’re very pleased to be embarking on this formal partnership with the prefecture, which will no doubt create mutually beneficial synergies.”

She added: “The Liverpool City Region’s strengths as a leading tourism and leisure destination are outstanding and we’re delighted to showcase the city region as a model of best practice in this sector and explore opportunities for collaborations with Qiandongnan. “

With the agreement in place, the two regions will collaborate on a broad range of activities and the development of sectors such as sports, tourism and culture.

They will also engage in knowledge sharing on matters such as ecological environment protection, trade, investment and education.

To further bolster its links with China, a Liverpool City Region business delegation led by Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson and Wirral Council’s Phil Davies will fly out to South West China in October.

The MOU with Qiandongnan follows a Friendship Partnership Agreement struck with the Chinese city of Kunming earlier this year.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →