MIPIM 2011: ‘Look east for regeneration’ says Whitby
CITIES seeking the magic formula for regeneration should least east, according to Birmingham City Council’s leader.
Cllr Mike Whitby will today tell delegates at international property conference MIPIM, in Cannes they should seize eastern opportunities.
In October, Birmingham signed a memorandum of understanding with His Excellency Rashid Mubarak Al Hajeri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipal Affairs, to boost trade between the two.
Cllr Whitby will be speaking alongside city leaders from Manchester and Leeds at a ‘Making Regeneration Happen’ seminar, hosted by Regeneration UK.
He said: “It is important for cities targeting regeneration to engage with the growth centres of tomorrow if they really want to compete.
“Birmingham is already working closely with China, India and the Middle East to ensure that its future is closely tied to the emerging nations.”
Cllr Whitby will highlight the importance of links with powerful economies to support manufacturing jobs in the West Midlands.
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He added: “We have formed a ‘Sister City’ agreement with Guangzhou, and have strong ties to Nanjing, Beijing and Hong Kong.
“These have supported local car manufacturing, and have seen the creation of a major engine R&D hub.
“We have also welcomed significant investment from Tata, and worked with them on a major Regional Growth Fund.”
The seminar is one of seven events taking place today including ‘Science Parks without Walls’ with Birmingham Science Park Aston, ‘Do we need Low Carbon Property?’ with Willmott Dixon and ‘The Economics of Sustainability’ with Carillion.
