First Minister to visit China
First Minister Alex Salmond will lead a trade mission to China next month, undertaking a series of business and government meetings that will take Scottish firms to the heart of the world’s second largest economy and deepen the friendship between Scotland and China.
Across five days the First Minister will head delegations demonstrating Scotland’s expertise, innovation and excellence in the oil and gas and construction sectors.
The trip will also see the First Minister promote a Scottish seafood showcase and events aimed at strengthening education links between Scotland and China.
The First Minister said: “China is an economic powerhouse with the second largest economy in the world and it is crucial that Scotland strengthens its position as an attractive place for Chinese investors and an exporter of high quality goods for that market. Our warm relationship is built on mutual respect of each other’s ancient societies, with deep links already established in areas such as culture and education as well as developing business links and diplomatic relations.
“We’ve had great success in recent years, with overall Scottish exports to China increasing by 88 per cent between 2007 and 2012 and the winning of geographical indicator status for Scotland’s national drink helping secure a remarkable upturn in whisky exports to China over the same period. We have also witnessed a new import deal for Scottish salmon signed in 2011; inward investments from Chinese firms such as Hutchison Whampoa bringing jobs to Scotland and agreements signed with the Chinese government for greater collaboration in the arts, heritage and creative industries.
“But our ambition – set out in the Scottish Government’s China Strategy – is to broaden and deepen these links, increasing opportunities for Scottish businesses to export their innovation and high-quality products in a range of sectors.
“That is why I will lead a trade mission to China, showcasing the expertise of Scotland in the oil and gas and construction sectors, opening doors at the highest level of Chinese business and holding talks with the Chinese Government as well as promoting a separate seafood delegation showcasing the best of Scottish produce at a major expo.
“During all of these discussions, I’ll press home the message that Scotland has a wealth of natural resources, a world-class education sector and a resourceful and innovative people – quite simply, it’s a fantastic place to do business and invest.”
Graham Young, Head of Seafood Scotland and Seafish Regional said: “Discerning buyers in the Chinese market are beginning to recognise the quality of Scottish Seafood and to appreciate the clean environment in which it’s caught. Supported by Seafish and Seafood Scotland, the industry has been working hard to develop contacts and networks, to build long term business relationships, and to capitalise on the exciting opportunities offered by this emerging market.”
