First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond led a delegation of Scottish business leaders to the Shanghai World Expo to promote Scottish innovation, culture and heritage and to strengthen Sino-Scottish relations.

First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond at Seed Cathedral

The First Minister, the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) business delegation, SDI textiles mission and VisitScotland tourism group are undertaking a series of engagements, workshops and receptions in China this week to further strengthen business links and demonstrate Sino-Scottish opportunities in sectors including financial and business services, tourism, life sciences, food and drink, education and culture.

 

In an address at the Shanghai Expo on intellectual property rights in China, the First Minister said firms can protect themselves against loss of revenue, loss of reputation, and loss of competitive advantage by learning more about the IPR environment in China before entering the market.

Mr Salmond said that while China offers enormous business opportunities, a "know before you go" approach to IPR can prevent future problems. Businesses looking to explore strengthening links with China can access advice through Scottish Development International's (SDI) International Preparedness Programme.

He said, "The Scottish Government and Scottish Development International are supporting a significant Scottish presence during the Shanghai Expo to help raise Scotland's profile in China as a key destination to live, work, visit and do business."

Also in Shanghai he launched a new dedicated Chinese language, golf-focussed travel brochure. It aims to boost specialist visits through tour operator China Holidays and make booking a holiday in Scotland easier than ever for Chinese golfers, business-people and their families.

China has been identified as one of Scotland's most important emerging tourism markets, with an increase in visitors from 7,000 in 2005 to approximately 11,000 a year over the past three years - worth on average 7 million pounds a year to the Scottish economy.