Chinese visitors set for Northern Powerhouse meeting

And Fylde coast businesses have been urged to step forward.

Made up of members of the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the China Chamber of Commerce UK (CCCUK), the delegation will be attending the UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference and Exhibition in Manchester Central on February 21 and 22. They will be conducting meetings with business leaders from key Northern cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle.

And representatives from Lancashire will also be there to promote the county’s cause.

A spokesman for the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership said: “The Lancashire Enterprise Partnership is set to attend the conference to promote the county as a key economic force at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse.”

Marketing Lancashire chief Ruth Connor and other representatives are also set to attend the gathering

The delegation’s presence at the two-day conference creates an opportunity for Northern businesses to meet the people directly responsible for Chinese investment in the North. The team is particularly keen to meet growth businesses operating in the field of advanced manufacturing, healthcare and aerospace – but it emphasises that there are opportunities for businesses from all sectors.

Minister Counsellor of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, Mr Xu Jin, said: “We are eager to hear more from growing businesses who could benefit from Chinese partners.

“Now is the perfect time for the UK and China to collaborate, join forces and forge lasting trade relationships.”