Mayor crosses Pond to pull in US business

LIVERPOOL Mayor Joe Anderson is leading a trade delegation to the US, which will visit Birmingham, Atlanta and New Orleans.

The aim of the trip is to build on the relationships forged during Global Congress 2013 and the International Festival for Business 2014.

The delegation will be seeking to attract further investment and trade in to Liverpool, with meetings scheduled with civic leaders, potential investors and companies based in the cities.

As part of the trip, the Mayor’s delegation will be actively promoting the benefits of International Festival for Business 2016.

While in Birmingham, the Mayor will also sign an Economic Twinning agreement and take part in a ‘Sister Cities Signing Ceremony’ with the city. The Economic Twinning is the first of its kind and aims to link cities with economic, cultural and educational similarities.

Anderson believes there is a natural synergy between Birmingham and Liverpool and a key area the delegation is keen to capitalise on is Birmingham’s Life Sciences industry.

Worth $2 bn and with more than 100 companies, it mirrors Liverpool’s own Life Science sector.

With brands such as Baxter Health Care Corporation and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company already located in both cities a successful model is already being demonstrated for future investment in Liverpool.

Liverpool has already received visits from potential private and public sector investors from Birmingham, including a company and a large research institution.

Cllr Anderson said: “We will be promoting Liverpool and its huge investment potential to the cities of Birmingham, Atlanta and New Orleans.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to meet with like-minded cities and encourage investment back into Liverpool.

“The Economic Twinning of Liverpool with Birmingham is also of great significance to the city. To be the first to twin in this way is testament to the pioneering nature at the heart of Liverpool. By developing relationships with US cities, we are establishing Liverpool firmly on the international stage.”

Max Steinberg, chief executive of Liverpool Vision, said: “Liverpool is an international city, and we are continuing to work closely with the USA to attract investment and create trade opportunities for Liverpool businesses.”