THE North-west of England opened for business in Brussels today.

A regional office - part of a long-term strategy to help reinforce economic prosperity across the region - was opened a few yards away from the headquarters of the European Commission.

The ceremony was performed by European Commissioner Neil Kinnock and the British Ambassador to Belgium, Mr David Colvin.

It is intended that the office complex - funded by the partners involved - will be a key focal point for the region's links with Brussels. It involves the North-west Partnership in association with Cheshire County Council, Cumbria County Council, the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Enterprises plc, the Merseyside Brussels Office and the North-west Regional Association.

The North-west Partnership, which brings together key decision-makers from across the region, believes it is critical that the NW takes its place in the Europe of the Regions.

Chairman Terry Thomas, who is also Managing Director of the Co-operative Bank, said: "The office complex will have a major role to play in providing a representation for both the public and private sectors. The NW is an important contributor to Europe's industrial and cultural prosperity and the continued support from European policies and programmes increasingly affects the everyday lives of people across the region."

He added: "The NW should take a proactive role within a Europe of the Regions and develop links with other regions with similar strengths and objectives."

The office complex is in Rue Breydel within a major office development recently extended by Lancashire Enterprises, which has had a major presence in Brussels for the past seven years. Vice-chairman Louise Ellman said: "I am sure that the office for the North-west will help to reinforce cohesion within our region and to develop even further our excellent links with European institutions."

Bill Minto, Vice-chairman of the North-west Partnership and Chairman of the North-west Regional Association, said the North-west needed to develop a long-term strategy within the Union.

He said: "Current EU programmes which are a vital support to the region's economy will end in 1999 and we must ensure that we help to shape the European programmes that replace them."

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