It's Liverpool in China launch event 06/07/11 Part 1 of 3

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Liverpool Vision launches China Club network to encourage more business links


The city signalled its determination to develop more Chinese trade opportunities with the launch of the Liverpool in China network last night.

Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for employment, enterprise and skills, backed the drive up by announcing a new trade mission to Shanghai this October, focused on the city's creative and digital sectors.

Regeneration agency Liverpool Vision hosted the launch at the Racquet Club, which also featured a delegation from Jiangmen, a city of 3.8m people in southern China. The delegates are guests of Colin Ling, of the Liverpool China Business Association.

The new network, supported by UK Trade & Investment, The China Britain Business Council and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, is aimed at building on Liverpool's six-month presence at the Shanghai Expo last year when more than 750,000 people visited the Liverpool pavilion.

Vision deputy chief executive Mike Taylor said: "Liverpool's presence at the Shanghai Expo was a phenomenal success. It is vital that the momentum is maintained.

"Many organisations have already forged important links. We know the opportunities are there on an unparalleled scale and we need to do all we can to maximise them."

Cllr Nick Small added: "The Expo acted as a powerful catalyst for a whole raft of exciting possibilities and our commitment to an international agenda is a top priority.

"The council is in the process of developing a tourism strategy that will be aimed at ensuring Liverpool corners its share of the burgeoning Chinese market."

Referring to the October trade mission he said: "As China's economy continues to grow, the development of its cultural and creative industries calls for further cooperation with overseas companies that have the relevant expertise, and Liverpool certainly fits that criteria."

Liverpool architect Brock Carmichael was so impressed with the business opportunities following its participation in the Shanghai Expo that partner Michael Cosser last night unveiled plans for the opening of an office in Hong Kong.

[Image: Jiangmen delegation meet the Lord and Lady Mayor of Liverpool]

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