Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, explains why vehicle manufacturer Chery Commercial Vehicles (CCV) decision to establish its European HQ in Liverpool marks the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s relationship with China…
In Liverpool we are rightly proud of both our long-established Chinese community, and our rich heritage in building vehicles.
We have the oldest Chinese community in Europe, dating back almost 200 years, when our trading links with the world led to goods arriving here from the far east.
And car manufacture in the region dates back 60 years, with sites at Halewood and Ellesmere Port producing millions of vehicles and employing many thousands of people not just in their factories, but also associated businesses around the plants. We all know somebody who worked for Ford or Vauxhall, or is currently employed by Jaguar Land Rover or Stellantis.
Our expertise as an automotive hub with a skilled workforce and established supply chain has played a key role in Chinese manufacturer Chery planning to set up its European headquarters in Liverpool.
It is the latest evolution of our relationship with the automotive sector, which is now a global business with related companies having a presence in major markets around the globe.
It marks a new era in our long-established relationship with China, which was cemented when we were twinned with Shanghai in 1999.
It would also not have been possible without support from our partners Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department for Business and Trade, the Office for Investment, China Britain Business Council and Liverpool China Partnership.
This week’s development is a nod to our proud history, but is rooted in the present and looking firmly to the future.
Crucially, it also marks the beginning of the next chapter of Liverpool-China relations – one which will deliver significant long-term benefits to our economy.
