The Chinese president is in Manchester today to confirm millions of pounds worth of business deals in the North, including the first direct flight from the city to China.
Xi Jingping is expected to make the announcement at Manchester Airport while accompanied by prime minister David Cameron.
Mr Xi is the first Chinese president to visit Manchester.
He is expected to visit the National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester, the Etihad Stadium, Manchester Town Hall, and the National Football Museum.
He will end his visit at Manchester Airport before flying back to China with his wife, Madame Peng.
Mr Cameron said: “China is a key trading partner for the UK and the partnerships being made today will see real investment going into the north.
“This is all part of this government’s plan to attract more investment and deliver economic growth to an area of huge potential.”
The latest investment deals were agreed during a trade mission to China last month after pitching the Northern Powerhouse to investors.
WELCOME: Lord Mayor of Manchester Paul Murphy greets the Chinese president on his arrival at Manchester Airport last night
Top of the investment list was Hainan Airlines route to Beijing, while some £4million in investment for Salford’s Middlewood Locks’ urban village is expected to be officially confirmed.
Chinese investors BCEG, the main contractors of the project, will provide the funds to kick-start the plans.
Deals for projects in Leeds, Sheffield, Blackburn and the University of Central Lancashire are also expected to be announced.
The meeting in China was attended by George Osborne, Manchester council leader Sir Richard Leese and Trafford leader Sean Anstee.
