Alex Salmond aims for Scots success made in China

Published on Monday 5 July 2010 17:32

A DELEGATION to China led by First Minister Alex Salmond promoting Scottish business is under way, with Mr Salmond heading up a five-strong Scottish Government delegation The official party is also accompanied by business and tourism representatives.

• First Minister Alex Salmond speaks with members of staff as he visits the Shanghai Trade Expo on a visit to China. Picture: Complimentary

Mr Salmond began the visit by addressing business leaders in Shanghai, where he spoke of the need to protect intellectual property rights (IPR).

The First Minister advised Scottish businesses to protect themselves against loss of revenue, reputation and competitive advantage by learning more about the IPR environment in China before setting-up in business in the country.

The First Minister said companies should have a "know before you go" approach when looking to invest in China.

Mr Salmond's speech to the Shanghai Expo on intellectual property rights came at the start of a series of engagements stretching over five days, which include an effort to promote Scotland as a top tourist destination in China.

The bulk of the work to promote tourism is expected to take place today in Shanghai, where Mr Salmond and representatives of Visit Scotland will meet Chinese officials.

Mr Salmond is set to travel to Beijing tomorrow, where he will meet more business leaders and trade officials, with a visit to the Chinese port town of Tianjin the following day. Scottish firm Standard Life has a base there.

The First Minister, who is accompanied by a special adviser, private secretary, communications officer and policy officer, will return to Beijing on Friday to speak at a chamber of commerce event.

Mr Salmond is also expected to express concerns about human rights in the country during talks with Chinese government officials.

The move comes after Amnesty International passed on a number of its concerns to the First Minister about the general human rights situation in China.

Meanwhile, Mr Salmond said there were a large number of Scottish companies doing business in China in sectors including energy, electronics, education, oil and gas.

The First Minister said: "There are significant links that already exist between our two nations and the Scottish Government is committed to strengthening ties with China, which this year is set to overtake Japan to become the world's second largest economy.

China's growth presents major economic opportunities and the presence of three trade delegations this week reflects the increasing number of Scottish firms that are exploring new opportunities to do trade in China."

Mr Salmond wadded: "Scottish Development International, in partnership with key partners such as SCDI, is working with Scottish universities as well as companies and firms and organisations throughout China to identify and realise partnership and investment opportunities.

"If we are to meet the target of doubling Scotland's exports, which is achievable, we need to give them the tools to succeed and the encouragement to grasp new opportunities."

ALSO ON TRIP:

IN ADDITION to the Scottish Government delegation, a raft of representatives from industry, education and public bodies have also travelled to China.

VisitScotland and Scottish Enterprise are among those in the country.

Others firms in the Far East with Mr Salmond include SCDI Trade Mission to Shanghai and Hong Kong - Anniesland College; Bruichladdich Distillery Co Ltd; Burdica Biomed Ltd; Cameron Finlay; Craigie Engineering Sales & Services Ltd; China Club HQ Ltd; Edinburgh's Telford College; Future Factory Ltd; Gentech Sensors; Glasgow Metropolitan College; HSBC plc; Integrated International Payroll Ltd; Keppie Design; Motherwell College; Omega Diagnostics; Origin Pet Products Ltd; and Platinum Golf Associates. .