Manchester China Forum 曼彻斯特英中协会

Established in 2013 by the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne CH, Manchester China Forum (MCF) is the city region’s special purpose vehicle for driving forward the Greater Manchester – Greater China relationship. The Forum has received acclaim as a highly innovative and successful initiative that works to ensure Greater Manchester is equipped and ready for China’s continued growth and the opportunity that this presents.

MCF is a public-private partnership with strong links and influence putting us in a unique position to drive forward the city-region's international agenda and ensure sustained growth in engagement between the city-region and Greater China.

Our Successes

In February 2018, the successes of the Forum were recognized at the Hurun business awards where the organization was awarded for its commitment and success in enhancing UK-China relations. MCF also received the Greater China Award by the UK Department of International Trade in 2019, 2021, and 2022.

Political Engagement

Manchester China Forum’s unique approach has strengthened the region’s relationship with China. President Xi’s visit to the city in 2015 enhanced communication to a higher level. MCF also maintains close relationships with cities in China, including Wuhan, Haidian District of Beijing, Shenzhen, and Tianjin.

Commercial Development

Since the inception of the Manchester China Forum, Chinese firms have invested in projects with a development value more than £6bn in the region. Notable projects include the Far East Consortium investment into the £1bn Northern Gateway project and the £1bn Airport City development involving Beijing Construction and Engineering Group as a major equity partner.

Alongside growth in investment, direct connectivity between Manchester and Hong Kong/Beijing operated by Cathay Pacific/Hainan Airlines allows enhanced links between the city-region as well as the wider North West of England and Greater China.

People-to-People Links

Manchester China Forum maintains a strong relationship with the 5 universities in Greater Manchester as well as local Chinese communities. Recent initiative aiming at facilitating understanding and enhancing integration - Manchester China Friendship Programme has engaged over 150 students across disciplines and culture background from the University of Manchester.

Manchester's vibrant sports and culture attract numerous tourists every year. Manchester China Cultural Partnership (MANCCC) brings key partners across the city-region to celebrate Chinese culture as well as to establish a network for cultural exchange between Greater Manchester and China.

A key objective of the Manchester China Forum, was to take a holistic approach of our relationship with China. When approaching inter-city relationships, many organisations elect to improve one area, whether trade or tourism, but we recognised that it was crucial to consider all elements to drive sustainable growth for both parties. As a result, Manchester has become an extremely attractive proposition for China, from our manufacturing capabilities to our higher education institutions. We remain committed to sharing best practice and knowledge to maximise the speed of recovery and drive international trade for the future.

— David Percival, partner at Deloitte and chair of the Manchester China Forum

Manchester is a city of collaboration, with academic institutions working with the city’s public authorities and businesses to drive forward a dynamic economy. This has led to an environment that breeds innovation, something which can be seen throughout the city’s history, from splitting the atom to the isolation of graphene. Greater Manchester is known for its forward thinking and visionary approach to economic and cultural development. Having the most comprehensive devolution deal in England including joint control with the NHS over health and social care, Manchester is building a reputation as a leading player in a global economy where cities are set to play an increasingly important role. We are a city that lies at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse, a UK government initiative aimed at stimulating economic agglomeration between cities such as Liverpool, Sheffield and Leeds.

— Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester key sectors:

Manchester's breadth and depth of expertise enables cross-industry opportunities for collaboration and a world-class offer for the international investor

Advanced Manufacturing

Creative and Media

Technology and Digital

Financial, Professional and Business Services

Net Zero

Life Sciences and Healthcare