Do business with Scotland, UK Government urges China

Chinese firms will be asked to do business with the Scottish tech sector as the Scotland Office joins an international trade mission.

The UK Government department has put trade, tech and tourism “at the heart of” a three-day visit to China by junior minister Kirsty McNeill and business representatives.

McNeill is expected to promote Scotland as a “global hub for innovation”, including advanced manufacturing and renewables, in a speech to the China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair.

The delegation, which includes figures from education and business, will be led by the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and work to establish a Scottish presence within Beijing's Chaoyang International Zone in an effort to create a “long-term platform for trade, investment and commercial partnership”.

This includes developing plans for a ‘Scotland Hall’ to showcase Scottish culture, products and experiences, starting with whisky. McNeill will also speak with aviation authorities and airlines in the hopes of setting up a direct Shanghai-Scotland route and promoting Scotland as a holiday destination for Chinese travellers.

Such a link would “significantly boost trade”, the Scotland Office said.

China is the UK's third largest trading partner, supporting 370,000 jobs, and is the UK's second biggest single-country partner for collaborative scientific research.

McNeill said the mission would build on a recent whisky tariff cut secured by Keir Starmer.

She said:  “Like Shanghai, Scotland is a global hub for innovation, with strengths in the key sectors of green energy and marine technology. Our mission is to use Scotland’s innovation to drive long-term partnerships.

“This trade mission, led by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, brings together businesses from across Scotland and highlights the distinctive strength of its cities – from Edinburgh’s expertise in fintech, to Glasgow’s emergence as a major tech destination, and Dundee’s reputation as a world-class centre for digital innovation.

“We have already seen the strength of this relationship deliver for Scottish industry – earlier this year the prime minister secured a halving of Chinese tariffs on Scotch whisky, a deal worth £250m to our economy over the next five years. This visit builds on that momentum.

“We are also committed to deepening tourism links between Scotland and China, and are ready to forge new partnerships.”

Vijay Madlani, chief executive of Glasgow-based R&D firm Katrick Technologies, will be part of the delegation. He said: “This provides a great opportunity to share our great innovation in the green and clean sectors in a new and very strategic major market for us.

“As a leader in tech innovation, Katrick Technologies will be showcasing our innovative wind panel technology during the mission to strengthen our market presence, customer growth, and investment as we progress towards a global commercial launch.” 

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “This trade mission represents an important opportunity to strengthen Glasgow’s commercial links with one of the world’s largest and fastest-evolving markets. China continues to offer significant opportunities for businesses across key sectors where Glasgow excels, including advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and life sciences.

“For the past six years, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has led trade missions to Shanghai, building a valuable network that supports Glasgow businesses, attract investment, develop partnerships and access new customers. As Scotland’s largest city and a growing centre for innovation, Glasgow is well positioned to grow across the Chinese market. Direct engagement with business and government leaders helps open doors that can translate into long-term economic benefits supporting job creation, investment and business growth.”