LIVERPOOL has twinned with Birmingham. No, not that one down the M6, the one in Alabama, USA.
Mayor Joe Anderson signed the accord as he leads a trade delegation to the US.
As well as Birmingham, Mayor Anderson and his team are visiting Atlanta and New Orleans. The the aim is to build on the relationships forged during Global Congress 2013 and the International Festival for Business 2014.
His team will be attempting to lure business into Liverpool, with meetings scheduled with civic leaders, potential investors and companies based in the three cities.
As part of the trip, they will be actively promoting the second International Festival for Business taking place here next year..
While in Birmingham, the Mayor signed an Economic Twinning agreement and took 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.
A spokesman for Marketing Liverpool said: “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."
A statement added: “Worth $2 billion, and with over 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, Alabama, including "a large research institution".
No trade delegation to the US would be complete without a trusty Superlambanana in towMayor 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.
“We look forward to developing strong economic, educational and cultural links with the USA, and by signing an agreement with Birmingham we confirm an exciting relationship across the Atlantic.”
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. Through relationships with cities such as Atlanta, Birmingham and New Orleans, we are confident that new investment opportunities will be created for Liverpool in the South East USA."
