LIVERPOOL APPOINTS CHINA BUSINESS CHAMPION TO DRIVE FORWARD INVESTMENT

LEADER of Liverpool City Council Joe Anderson has announced the appointment of a China Business Champion to build upon the success of Liverpool's presence at World EXPO in Shanghai.

Announcing his decision at EXPO, Councillor Anderson said:- "Liverpool's friendship with our sister city Shanghai has always been close to our heart and important to us. We want to continue to develop even closer collaboration between Liverpool and China after the Expo, especially in the business sector."

Councillor Nick Small, the city's Cabinet member for Employment and Skills, is to take the lead on making sure the city capitalises on the contacts it has made in Shanghai.  He will be supported by a newly appointed Chinese Business Champion, Dr Lee Kai Hung.

Councillor Small said:- "It is absolutely crucial that we make the most of the critical competitive advantage that being at World Expo has given us.  We were the only UK city to have a presence, so it is vital we keep up the momentum.  We have built up the awareness of Liverpool during our time here, and there is a hunger and an appetite from investors here to do business with our city.”

The Chinese government has recently launched its 'Go Out' policy, challenging Chinese businesses to invest outside China. Liverpool has become the first city in the UK to respond to that challenge.

Councillor Anderson added:- "It is not just about making links with China, but also making sure we build links in the UK supply chain to benefit from foreign direct investment.  One of the things I will be looking at is increasing the number of young people who are learning Mandarin in our schools and universities, so they are able to take advantage of employment opportunities.  The Chinese economy is going to be the biggest in the world soon and we are in a great position to take advantage of it."

Dr Lee Kai Hung is one of the region's most respected Chinese business leaders and currently chairs the North West Chinese Council. 

Dr Lee Kai Hung has an impressive business CV with extensive business and philanthropic interests in the UK, Hong Kong and mainland China.

Dr Lee said:- "I have been hugely impressed by the vision that has been set out by Councillor Small and the council leader, Councillor Anderson.  They are determined to build on the enormously positive impression that Liverpool has created in Shanghai and re-establish the city as an international commercial destination.  I am delighted to be offering my experience and relationships in China to help the city realise this ambition."

Half Term fun with Wallace and Gromit

TO celebrate our first special Wallace & Gromit in Space weekend, Spaceport welcomes Aardman Animations’ model maker Jim Parkyn for a 2 day extravaganza of Aardman style modelling, over the first weekend of half term.

Join us between 12pm and 4.00pm each day as Jim takes you through the process of creating a model clay character. Follow his step by step instructions and make your own Gromit to take home.  Visitors will also be able to meet Wallace & Gromit throughout the half term holiday.

The much loved duo will be at the Seacombe attraction between 23 October and 31 October 2010, recalling their ‘Grand Day Out’ while checking out Wallace’s workshop, the famous orange rocket, the dynamic duo’s picnic site and a selection of sets from the award-winning films.

As well as having their pictures taken with Wallace & Gromit, visitors to the exhibition can learn much more about the universe we live in, with fascinating factual displays about the Moon, our Solar System and the history of space exploration. And you can even design your own rocket/alien in a dedicated drawing area!

Spaceport is housed in a listed building alongside the Seacombe Mersey Ferries Terminal. Wallace and Gromit will be making special public appearances at set times throughout the week of half term.

Opening times: 10.30 with last admission at 16.30 closing at 18.00 (check website for further details).  Admission: Adult £8.00, Child (3 to 15 years) £4.50 and a Family ticket £20.00 (this consists of 2 adults and 3 children) Combined Spaceport/Mersey Ferries tickets are also available.