Liverpool and Beijing have signed a new partnership agreement to deepen business links between China's capital and firms in Merseyside and the North West. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Liverpool Business Improvement District (BID) and Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau at the Royal Liver Building during a visit by a senior Beijing delegation.
Key Sectors of Cooperation
The agreement focuses on advanced manufacturing, life sciences, culture, tourism, and the creative sector. It also includes collaboration with Beijing's central business district and promotes professional, educational, and cultural exchanges.
Support for Businesses
Liverpool firms will receive support to enter the Chinese market, while Beijing companies will get similar assistance in Liverpool through the BID. Services include introductions, market intelligence, and delegation programmes.
The two-day visit featured meetings with local businesses and a roundtable on Beijing-Liverpool collaboration. The delegation included representatives from China's consulate in Manchester, its embassy in London, the Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform, and the Beijing Central Business District Administration Committee.
Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, said: "Liverpool has always been an international city, built on trade, innovation and global connections. This Memorandum of Understanding provides an important platform to deepen relationships between Liverpool and Beijing, creating opportunities for businesses, institutions and organisations in both cities."
He added: "As one of the world’s leading capital cities, Beijing offers significant opportunities across investment, innovation, culture and commerce. We look forward to working closely with our partners to develop meaningful exchanges and identify areas where Liverpool and Beijing can learn from one another and create shared prosperity."
Tang Yonghong, deputy director of the Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau, said: "This agreement reflects the growing relationship between Beijing and Liverpool and our shared commitment to promoting economic cooperation, business engagement and international exchange. We look forward to working closely with Liverpool BID Company to strengthen links between our respective business communities and to explore new opportunities for collaboration."
