Liverpool should put any non-sporting rivalries with Manchester aside to fulfil its economic ambitions, the city's deputy leader has said.
Liberal Democrat Cllr Flo Clucas urged both cities to build on the "growing realisation" that the north-west must work as one if the region is to compete on the world stage.
She said Liverpool's main competitor for trade is not Manchester but overseas ports such as Rotterdam.
Clucas noted a change in attitudes around 1998 because a negativity towards collaboration was turning businesses off. And she argued this more friendly trend must continue for Liverpool to see the benefit.
She added: "There is already a lot of synergy between the city councils of Liverpool and Manchester. We are singing together and all of us are bringing benefits to the whole of the north-west.
"As an Everton fan I celebrated the win over Manchester United but that kind of rivalry doesn't mean the two cities can't work together."
The councillor was speaking after she launched a new study on the future of the area, compiled by the Smith Institute think-tank.
It comes as the Conservatives promised to ditch the unifying Northwest Development Agency should they be returned to power this year.
But Cllr Clucas said projects including the Atlantic Gateway are proof that there needn't be a divide between the region's biggest cities.
"Relationships are strong. But the link between the powerhouses of Liverpool and Manchester should continue. It's good for everybody."
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