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Liverpool's Relationship with China is Strong - Martyn McDonald

International law firm Hill Dickinson say Liverpool is building stronger connections with China than ever before.

Martyn McDonald, Head of Retail in the firm’s Business Service Group, accompanied a delegation led by Mayor Anderson on its visit to several major cities in China last month, said top level relationships are being formed and Liverpool City Region’s tourism, education, cultural activities and civic links are all set to benefit.

“Following my visit to China accompanied by representatives from, amongst others, Invest Liverpool, Liverpool City Council, Wirral Chamber, Wirral Council, Peel Holdings, Isle of Man Government, Liverpool Airport and John Moores University a number of high profile contacts have been made with companies both in China and the UK as a direct result of the delegation,” said Martyn.

“In fact, as reported globally there is a golden age relationship forming with China and a willingness to connect from high-level government officials and companies all keen to do business.

“With China’s foreign direct investment continuing to increase year on year, the potential for co-operation between China and the UK is better than ever. Shanghai is actually twinned with Liverpool and a real synergy is evident between the two cities. On 5 March 2015 Liverpool Vision signed a Memorandum of Understanding with their equivalent organisation in Shanghai namely Invest Shanghai. The MOU was signed by the Assistant Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Gary Millar and Mr Fang Sun, Director Shanghai FID European Division.

The objective of the delegation was to attract Chinese investment into Liverpool and the wider region by promoting the areas growing economy, lower operating costs compared with many other UK locations, the deep pool of talent which includes graduate and skilled workers, high quality premises and development sites, and its excellent links to London and two international airports.

During the visit to China, delegates enjoyed updates on investment policies from senior members of the Chinese government, found out about new trends and opportunities in key sectors of industry, manufacturing, construction, technology and retail and learnt from case studies of leading Chinese businesses who have successfully invested in the UK.

The delegation was joined by Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson. Following the visit Mayor Anderson said “The delegation proved a significant step in raising the City Region’s profile and strengthening relationships with important economic centres across China. Our engagement with China is now beginning to deliver very real benefits for the City Region and we can look forward with confidence to more positive outcomes in the future as relationships mature.”

Martyn, who acts for key Hill Dickinson clients including Mason Partners on multi-million-pound property acquisitions and disposals of complex sites, attended a conference in Shanghai which featured a speech from Lord Sassoon, Chairman of China-Britain Business Council (CBBC).

“Throughout the period the delegation were travelling in China there was a real openness and willingness to make connections.” said Martyn. One to one business meetings were organised which gave me the opportunity to explain how as a firm we are able to assist with the whole process of property acquisition in the UK supported by team members from all legal disciplines.”

“Hill Dickinson are members of the Liverpool China Partnership chaired by Max Steinberg, Chief Executive of Liverpool Vision. The Liverpool China Partnership has been formed to expand, strengthen and deliver greater benefit from the City Regions’ trade investment, tourism, education, cultural and other links with China. As part of this initiative Hill Dickinson work in tandem with CBBC which helps UK companies grow and develop their business in China.”

“In addition to its 10 offices in the UK, CBBC have 13 offices within key locations in China which means the level of introductions they are able to facilitate are invaluable.”

As a follow on from the delegation the Qingdao International Economic Co-operation Zone is scheduled to visit Liverpool next month and the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Co-operation are also planning a field study trip in early January 2017, with the objective of exploring the UK’s best practice and experience in administering and managing free economic zones.

As an international company, with offices in Singapore and Hong Kong, Hill Dickinson is recognised as one of the major international firms in the Asian marine, trade and energy market and offers significant benefits for an expanding client base both in Asia and Europe.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jo Craig .