Salmond plans new Chinese twin-city link for Scotland

ALEX SALMOND has announced plans to twin a major Scottish city with Shenzhen – a fast-growing industrial city in southern China.

The First Minister, who is on a week-long trade mission to China, said cultural links were important as a way to open collaboration and future investment.

He said: “Scotland has a reputation as a world leader in the research skills needed to tackle the many challenges posed by all aspects of engineering, medicine and climate change, and we are well-placed to attract investors and to provide a gateway to the European marketplace.

“Where better to speak directly to businesses about the opportunities Scotland presents than Shenzhen, one of the fastest-growing cities in the world and home to some of China’s most successful quality brand high-tech companies.

“There is little doubt this city will be the source of China’s next wave of international companies and therefore it is essential Scotland makes its presence known early in Shenzhen’s expansion.”

Anne MacColl, chief executive of Scottish Development International, who is also a member of the trade mission, said: “We have been targeting a number of provincial Chinese cities through strategic engagement plans in recent years, and believe that Shenzhen offers a huge opportunity for Scotland.”