Scotland showcased in China
6 Jul 2010 09:54 AM
First Minister Alex Salmond yesterday led a delegation of Scottish business leaders to the Shanghai World Expo to promote Scottish innovation, culture and heritage and to strengthen Sino-Scottish relations.
Scotland has a distinct presence at the Expo, which is expected to attract 70 million visitors over six months. The Scottish Government has been working with VisitScotland, Scottish Development International (SDI) and the British Council to promote Scotland at this major global gathering as a great place to live, work, visit and do business.
The First Minister toured the Expo site and addressed business leaders attending an event on intellectual property rights in China. He was invited to attend the Expo by Shanghai political leaders during his visit to the city last year.
Scotland's presence at the Expo includes a bilingual team from Scottish company Kommando which is using the latest digital mobile technology to promote Scotland as a key destination for business, culture, tourism, education and golf. A team of 'brand ambassadors' are also sharing their passion and experiences of Scotland with visitors.
Visitors are also being given a flavour of Scottish culture and arts with performances by Celtic rockers Skerryvore at the Europe stage and new works by two of Scotland's leading contemporary choreographers, Janis Claxton and Alan Greig.
The First Minister, the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) business delegation, the Scottish Development International (SDI) textiles mission and VisitScotland tourism group are undertaking a series of engagements, workshops and receptions in China this week to further strengthen business links and demonstrate Sino-Scottish opportunities in sectors including financial and business services, tourism, life sciences, food and drink, education and culture.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"The Shanghai Expo is a unique opportunity to showcase Scottish innovation, culture and heritage to a truly international audience at the biggest visitor event in the world this year.
"An estimated 70 million people are due to visit the Expo over 184 days and I am delighted that Scotland has such a colourful and distinct presence at this major celebration and showcase of culture, innovation and technology from all over the globe.
"The Scottish Government has been working with VisitScotland, Scottish Development International (SDI) and the British Council to promote Scotland at the Expo as a great place to live, work and do business. Visitors will be given a unique flavour of Scottish music and the arts as well as the chance to learn more about our innovative, multi-cultural, vibrant, forward-thinking nation.
"China is one of the most important forces in the world economy and the Scottish Government recognises the vast opportunities that strengthening and fostering links between our two countries will bring.
"Our far reaching and continued engagement with China is creating long term benefits for Scotland and supports the Government's economic recovery programme of expanding trade, providing real benefits for jobs and businesses and promoting Scotland as a world leader in education and innovation.
"This year China is set to become the world's second largest economy, overtaking Japan. The presence of three high level Scottish trade delegations reflects the increasing number of companies exploring opportunities in this rapidly growing market and the importance of strengthening Scottish-Sino links."
Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said:
"We want to encourage more partnerships between Chinese and Scottish businesses, and SDI can help make this happen. The Expo is a great way to bring companies together, explore the opportunities available in both countries and cement existing relationships. With over 25 visits by potential investors to Scotland, I believe there is a real appetite for Scotland as a business location and gateway to Europe."
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