Scottish Government
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Building links with China

The Scottish Government's refreshed China Plan - an important component of its International Framework which was recently published - was unveiled yesterday.

In line with both the International Framework and the Government Economic Strategy, the China Plan sets out the Government's aims and aspirations for its engagement with China with a view to maximising trade, increasing tourism and boosting inward investment.

Minister for Europe and External Affairs Linda Fabiani said:

"China is an emerging global economic power and there are opportunities for us to build links and highlight the areas and industries where Scotland is genuinely excellent. We will push for collaboration between Scotland and China in the fields of business, education, science, culture and tourism.

"Our population is tiny compared with China but the skills of our people allow us to punch above our weight on the world stage. Our expertise, our experience and our endeavour mean that we can really make a global impact.

"The Education Secretary recently returned from China having signed a Memorandum of Understanding for education purposes. This kind of meaningful engagement will foster relationships and generate professional opportunities for our education sector over the long term.

"Education is critical but there is scope for collaboration elsewhere. The China Plan identifies these opportunities and helps ensure that the Scottish Government and our agencies are able to achieve maximum impact for Scotland in this key market."

The China Plan details a set of targets for engagement with China with which the Government, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies can measure progress.

Key features of Scotland's China Plan

* Aligned to the Scottish Government's purpose of sustainable economic growth
* Aligns strategies of Scottish Government and its agencies and encourages collaborative partnerships with public and private sector
* Focused on the role of Government in areas and interventions that can add value to development of Scotland's engagement with China
* Focused on areas of Scottish excellence and niche fields that are relevant to China and offer potential for mutual benefit
* Focused on clear reason for and benefit of engagement
* Focused on long-term engagement
* Relies on realistic resourcing commitments

The Scottish Government currently has two members of staff working out of the Scottish Affairs Office in the British Embassy Beijing, the First Secretary Scottish Affairs and a locally appointed Communications Officer. This team is supported by the China Team within International Division.

In addition, SDI has offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. VisitScotland is represented via VisitBritain in China.

Related Information

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/05/07115514/0

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/04/23150847/0

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