A NEW era of business collaboration between Liverpool’s Chinese community and the city was launched last night.

Liverpool Chinese Business Association (LCBA) officially unveiled its pioneering Liverpool Chinese Business Network (LCBN) in association with the city council and private sector supporters, including law firm Kirwans.

The association’s Alan Seatwo, addressing almost 100 guests at the launch in Berry Street’s China Palace Restaurant, explained: “The potential collaboration and partnership opportunities among Chinese and non- Chinese businesses will be particularly useful, especially important under political and financial challenges ahead.”

He said it was fitting in the year of Liverpool’s involvement in the Shanghai Expo that Europe’s oldest Chinese community should introduce a new forum to further strengthen the relationships built over many years.

Network manager Colin Ling added: “Our aim is to help grow profitable relationships between Chinese and non-Chinese enterprises and assist businesses who wish to trade with China by providing a friendly, accessible environment.

“Our network events will be designed to allow people to get to know one another, our motto is ‘Let’s first become friends then do business’.”