Liverpool BID Company and Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau Sign Landmark Cooperation Agreement
On 9 June 2026, the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool — a historic landmark that has witnessed the glory of British maritime trade — welcomed a high-level delegation from Beijing.
Led by Mr Tang Yonghong, Deputy Director of the Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau, the delegation comprised representatives from the Beijing Municipal Commission of Development and Reform, the Beijing Central Business District Administration Committee and district-level investment promotion agencies. Accompanied by officials from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United Kingdom and the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Manchester, the delegation formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Liverpool BID Company.
The signing of this Memorandum marks a new chapter in business cooperation between Liverpool and Beijing, creating fresh opportunities for business engagement, inward investment, knowledge exchange and delegation visits between the two cities.The agreement will also support closer collaboration with Beijing CBD, one of the world’s leading central business districts.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau will support Liverpool businesses seeking opportunities in Beijing through introductions, business facilitation, market intelligence and delegation programmes. Liverpool BID Company will, in turn, assist Beijing organisations and businesses exploring opportunities within Liverpool and the wider Liverpool City Region, providing access to local networks, key sectors and investment opportunities.
The partnership will focus on promoting collaboration across a range of sectors, including advanced manufacturing, life sciences, future industries, culture, tourism, music and the creative economy, while also encouraging wider professional, educational and cultural exchanges between the two cities.
Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool BID Company, said:
“Liverpool has always been an international city, built on trade, innovation and global connections. This Memorandum of Understanding provides an important platform to deepen relationships between Liverpool and Beijing, creating opportunities for businesses, institutions and organisations in both cities.”
“As one of the world’s leading capital cities, Beijing offers significant opportunities across investment, innovation, culture and commerce. We look forward to working closely with our partners to develop meaningful exchanges and identify areas where Liverpool and Beijing can learn from one another and create shared prosperity.”
Mr Tang Yonghong, Deputy Director of the Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau, said:
“This agreement reflects the growing relationship between Beijing and Liverpool and our shared commitment to promoting economic cooperation, business engagement and international exchange. We look forward to working closely with Liverpool BID Company to strengthen links between our respective business communities and to explore new opportunities for collaboration.”
The signing ceremony formed part of a wider two-day programme in Liverpool, which included meetings with local businesses, stakeholder roundtables, cultural visits and discussions focused on strengthening economic and commercial cooperation between Beijing and Liverpool. The programme concluded with a business roundtable bringing together representatives from Liverpool’s business community and the visiting delegation to explore opportunities for future collaboration.
The Memorandum establishes a formal communication mechanism between the two organisations, including regular meetings and ongoing cooperation activities designed to strengthen business relationships and facilitate future trade and investment opportunities. The agreement takes immediate effect and will initially run for one year, with provision for renewal by mutual agreement.