Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency, told delegates at its annual conference that the region's economy was much stronger, after years of growth and rising employment, backed by government and private sector investment.
He added: "We have built a strong platform to withstand the cooling economy. For example, we are the leading region outside of London in attracting foreign direct investments. During the past year, we attracted 150 of these, creating or safeguarding 14,500 jobs.
"We must not forget that the changed business base presents the region with long-term opportunities.
"The north west has strengths in sectors which are likely to be more resilient, including energy, defence, advanced manufacturing, engineering, science and innovation."
Mr Broomhead said know-ledge-based businesses were the key to the region's economic success, along with the accelerated growth of internationally competitive sectors, such as automotive and creative industries.
"One of the most significant is the creation of MediaCity UK, the largest media hub outside London," he told the conference in Liverpool.
"The agency invested £30m in the development, which will employ 15,500 people, 3,500 of these being new jobs, as well as adding £1bn to the regional economy once complete."
Mr Broomhead said the NWDA created or safeguarded 18,000 jobs during the past financial year, and helped attract or establish 2,000 companies. It brought about £489m of investment in deprived areas and helped 26,000 people to improve their skills. It recently unveiled initiatives totalling £200m to help businesses.
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