Chinese delegation visits Wirral
Cllr Steve Foulkes, leader of Wirral Council, welcomed a delegation from the Chinese city of Suzhou this week as the borough continues to strengthen its links with potential investors from China.
The delegation, led by Du Guoling, chairwoman of Suzhou People's Congress was given a tour of Wirral by Foulkes and senior council officers as well as meeting with representatives from Peel Holdings to discuss investment opportunities at its proposed £4.5bn Wirral Waters site.
Foulkes said: "The feedback we received from our visitors was very positive and I know they were impressed with the opportunities that exist in Wirral. The delegation was particularly interested in plans for an International Trade Centre at Wirral Waters and I am committed to strengthening the relationship I established between the two areas in 2008."
Peel has submitted an outline planning application to Wirral Council for an International Trade Centre to be built in West Float between Birkenhead and Wallasey in Wirral's docklands, after agreeing a deal with an unnamed Chinese investor.
Wirral Council said the Chinese delegation visiting the borough this week was not directly linked to Peel's investment partner.
Foulkes is being invited to attend Suzhou's Mayoral Conference in September where he will further engage with businesses in Suzhou in relation to the International Trade Centre and investment opportunities at Wirral Waters.
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu Province, eastern China, which is 45 minutes by train from Shanghai.