Liverpool City Region is to collaborate with the German city of Hamburg on measures such as trade, culture, transport, skills, urban regeneration, and net zero.
With backing from the British Embassy and the Department for Business and Trade, the delegation will spend four days engaging in tours, presentations and talks with senior officials, politicians and policy experts as the city region looks to build closer relationships with the German city-state.
These discussions will focus on the economic challenges that affect both regions, whilst also strengthening the connections between the two port cities.
Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said:
“Being proud port cities, both of our areas have served as gateways to the world, which helped to turn us into the vibrant, diverse communities we are today. With so much history between us, and so many shared strengths, it’s only right that we want to forge even stronger ties with our friends in Germany.
“Together, we want to shape more prosperous, outward-looking futures for our two areas and to fulfil their vast potential in advanced computing, life sciences, sustainable development and digitalisation. I can’t wait to see what kind of opportunities this partnership will unlock for us both in the years to come.”
As local authorities around the country look to develop skills and employment opportunities, one of the main discussions will look at the way that Germany utilises dual vocational training to bring classroom learning together with on-the-job training. This helps to support the production of a highly skilled and flexible workforce.
Public transport and urban mobility will also be a topic of discussion between senior policy officers, with this including a visit to the Port of Hamburg. Sitting as the third largest port in Europe, this visit will help to promote decarbonisation, green hydrogen and the refuelling of buses and lorries.
Dr Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, also commented:
“I look forward to welcoming Mayor Rotheram and his delegation to Hamburg. As traditional port cities and progressive metropolitan areas, Hamburg and Liverpool can exchange best practices and cooperate in future fields such as urban mobility and the hydrogen economy.”
Image credit: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
