Council Leader to deliver key speech at International Conference in China » Local Government » 24dash.com

The Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr. Steve Foulkes has been invited to deliver a key speech to a prestigious international conference in Suzhou next month.

While in Suzhou, a private meeting will also take place between Wirral Council’s Leader, Cllr Steve Foulkes and Mr Yan Li, the city’s Mayor.

Currently, Suzhou has a number of sister city relationships throughout the world, but no significant relationships with cities in the United Kingdom. Renowned for its culture, history and tourism, Suzhou believe that a beneficial relationship can be developed with Wirral.

Cllr Foulkes says that the visit has been planned down to the finest detail: “We recognise that establishing a productive working relationship with Suzhou will be mutually beneficial for both regions.

“During our visit, we’ll be examining the possibility of working very closely on four key areas; education, trade, culture and tourism and port-related activity. 

“If you take education as just one example, our schools have already recognised the significance of China. They are involved in significant initiatives to enable students to capitalise on the opportunities that China is likely to generate in the future.

"For example, Calday Grange Grammar School has been awarded a prestigious role in the development of Mandarin teaching through the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust and has been chosen to be the “Confucius Classroom” for the North West of England. 

Cllr Foulkes added: “And schools are just one example of how we in Wirral are positively engaging with China. In addition we are keen to progress discussions with Peel Holdings to deliver a significant link between businesses in Suzhou and the Wirral Waters project.

"The Government of Suzhou has expressed a strong desire to establish formal links with Wirral and I am confident this visit will be the start of a relationship that will deliver significant benefits to the children and businesses of Wirral.”

Lindsey Ashworth, Development Director at Peel Holdings who is leading the delivery of the Wirral Waters project said:

“The significance of this potential relationship cannot be under estimated.  I have been impressed already by the commitment shown by both Wirral Council and the Government of Suzhou.

"Our ambition for Wirral Waters is to deliver a truly world class waterfront and the significant interest already shown by China must be capitalised upon to help us achieve that.”