SCOTLAND’S Trade Minister has heralded the “huge potential” of trade links with China following a promotional visit to the country.
Ivan McKee travelled to Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou this week to strengthen business, education and cultural links with the world’s second-largest economy.
He met a team from Glasgow-based software company Modo at the official opening of its China headquarters in Hangzhou, as well as representatives from East Lothian thermal storage firm Sunamp, which has signed a business agreement with Chinese partner Gomon Renewable Energy Development Co.
The Trade Minister said: “There is huge potential for Scottish businesses to leverage the significant opportunities arising from China’s fast-paced developing industries.
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“I was delighted to meet some of the companies making their mark in the Chinese market and to hear about their plans for the future.
“I also saw first-hand how Scottish businesses are creating new conditions for growth by translating knowledge in science, technology and innovation into products, services and solutions with global appeal.”
Ahead of his trip, McKee pledged to “continue to talk about the importance of equality of opportunity and respect for human rights”.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited China in April last year, holding talks with vice-premier Hu Chunhua as part of a bid to “showcase Scottish business”.
The latest Scottish trade figures for Scotland show that exports to China were worth £625 million in 2017, up from £590m in 2016.
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