North West leaders to join George Osborne on China trade visit

Chancellor George Osborne will be joined by North West leaders in a week-long trade trip to China with the aim of boosting the economy of the North.

The delegation, which will include the mayor of Liverpool and the leader of Manchester City Council, as well as representatives from companies across the region, is set to visit China’s capital Beijing, followed by Shanghai and Chengdu, a city in the south west.

Sky News has reported that the Chancellor, who is the MP for the Tatton constituency of Cheshire, will be hoping to stoke Chinese investors’ interest in the North of England and drive the Northern Powerhouse vision.

Mr Osborne believes that creating closer economic ties with Beijing could stimulate billions for the region’s economy.

The director of the British Museum and the Eden Project’s founder will also both be present on the trade visit, as will the executive director of the National Theatre.

According to Sky News, Mr Osborne commented: “This trip is all about exploring new opportunities to open up new markets to benefit both economies.”