Liverpool forges new city links with China
Liverpool has begun to forge new links with other cities in China following an invitation to visit the city of Nanning.
The city of Liverpool delegation, led by Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for employment, enterprise and skills and Mike Taylor, deputy chief executive at Liverpool Vision, has met political and business leaders during a recent three-day visit.
The delegation discussed the possibility of locating a Liverpool Investment Manager in Nanning Municipal Government, forming a partnership between Liverpool’s Chinese Business Champion, Dr Lee Kai Hung and Liverpool Vision on behalf of Liverpool City Council. This representational status would complement the city's existing international links under the Liverpool Plan umbrella.
Cllr Small said this will be the start of a relationship that will replicate the success of the links established and enjoyed between Liverpool and Shanghai and which can then be extended to other cities across China.
He said: “We have been keen for some time to understand potential friendships we could develop in other parts of China and we know from our experience with Shanghai that it takes a number of years to establish the right connections, but when you do the benefits are tangible.
“We were invited to exhibit at the World Expo last year precisely because we’d worked hard on our friendship with Shanghai for many years and it has resulted in raft of benefits for Liverpool and our businesses as well as raising our profile in one of the most important world economic powerhouses.
“This particular visit has also come about through our involvement at Expo where we met Dr Lee who has extensive commercial and business interests in Nanning and is also the UK Director of Liaison on behalf of the Nanning General Chamber of Commerce.
“Through his commercial links and investments in the city he is opening up to Liverpool established relationships with local political and business leaders and offer invaluable local knowledge.
“This though is the first step in the journey and our ambition is to develop an extended Liverpool/Chinese network across the country with support from our private sector.”
Nanning, with a population of 6.6m, is the capital of Guangxi province which neighbours Guangzhou and is part of the South China region that has significant trade potential.
Dr Lee, who is overseas consultant of Nanning Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, honorary chairman of Guangxi Overseas Friendship Association and Chairman of the North West Chinese Council, said: “Liverpool is continuing to make impressive efforts in China and is now looking for collaborations which present credible opportunities to work together and to forge stronger, mutually beneficial relationships with other regional centres across China.
“There a number of strong sectors in common, including life sciences, low carbon technologies and creative and digital and our discussions are exploring how together we can enhance opportunities for Liverpool and Nanning commerce and to establish a Liverpool presence in this city.”
Mike Taylor, deputy chief executive for Liverpool Vision, said: “Following World Expo we have changed our Chinese representation and have stronger partnerships with China-Britain Business Council and UKTI with a focus on China and not solely Shanghai.
“This visit is to explore how we can use our experience with Shanghai to replicate similar friendships with other Chinese cities and represents a first chance to meet with Nanning government officials and business and industry leaders when we can share a perspective on Liverpool and how a relationship with us can benefit them.”
Lpool delegation picture
[Image L-R: Deng Weimin, director of Nanning foreign affairs and overseas Chinese affairs office.
Mike taylor, deputy chief executive, Liverpool Vision
Mayor Zhou of Nanning
Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for employment, enterprise and skills
Yang Weimin, Vice Mayor of Nanning
Dr Lee Kai Hung, Liverpool’s Chinese business champion, Nanning Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, honorary chairman of Guangxi Overseas Friendship Association and Chairman of the North West Chinese Council]
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