Minister boosts links with Far East

FINANCE secretary John Swinney will be in Japan and South Korea next week to promote Scotland’s energy and food and drink sectors.

Mr Swinney will visit Tokyo Osaka, Busan and Seoul to meet business representatives and government ministers.

Last month he welcomed a deal between Orkney-based European Marine Energy Centre and the Ocean Energy Association of Japan to develop Japan’s first marine energy test centre.

Currently, 65 Japanese companies and four South Korean companies invest money in Scotland.

Mr Swinney said: “Scotland’s international standing and global leadership in fields such as life sciences and marine renewables is already attracting significant investment from Japanese and (South) Korean businesses.

“We will continue to work closely with current and potential investors.”