Minister hails pact with China’s hi-tech city

A NEW agreement between Scotland and one of the largest cities in China has been hailed as a significant step forward in the relationship between the two countries.

Justice secretary Kenny ­MacAskill said both Scotland and the city of Shenzhen will benefit from the memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Mr MacAskill signed the ­co-operation agreement, which aims to deliver benefits for areas such as trade, science, education, culture and tourism, on behalf of the Scottish Government. It was also signed by Shenzhen vice-major Zhang Wen who was visiting Scotland.

Shenzhen is the hi-tech and manufacturing hub of southern China and has the country’s fourth-busiest airport, as well as being one of the most popular tourist destinations in China.

Trade body Scottish Development International has pinpointed the city as offering the biggest trade and investment opportunities of all China’s 274 provincial cities, particularly in research, development and new-product development.

First Minister Alex Salmond visited the area last year and the memorandum follows similar agreements already reached between Scotland and other parts of China.

Mr MacAskill said: “The signing of this co-operation agreement today marks a significant step in further developing Sino-Scottish relations. As with previous MoUs with Shandong and Tianjin, it will assist Scottish businesses in creating links with counterpart organisations in Shenzhen.

“The MoU is an agreement to strengthening friendship between the people of Shenzhen and Scotland through enhancing exchanges and cooperation.

“China is extremely important to Scotland and Shenzhen is one of the most important and developed cities in China. With a population of ten million, and one of China’s strongest municipal economies, there is much for Scotland to gain.”