Scotland sends over 40 companies and higher education institutions to ADIPEC 2013

As business links between Scotland and the Middle East continue to grow across a number of core sectors, Scotland has sent its biggest delegation to date to the ADIPEC exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

Mr Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s Minister for External Affairs, is leading a Scottish delegation comprising some of the country’s most dynamic and innovative companies and higher education institutions working in the oil and gas and associated education sectors.

Oil and gas is one of the most important sectors for the Scottish economy. It supports around 200,000 jobs, contributes around US$40 billion (£25 billion) to Scottish GDP and the potential whole sale value of remaining reserves is estimated at around US$2.4 trillion (£1.5 trillion). Scottish oil and gas supply chain exports to the Middle East now account for £457m, having risen by 82% since 2010.

Minister Yousaf will participate in a session on developing a global energy workforce, which will address ensuring the sector attracts young people and supports an increase in skills availability. Speaking from ADIPEC, Minister Yousaf said:

“The conference session’s focus on growth is key and Scotland has a wealth of expertise available to boost business.

“Whether through direct trade, cutting-edge research or educational excellence, it is clear that the importance of the overseas market is growing and the Gulf States are right at the very heart of this. While the oil and gas sector is driven primarily by the private sector, government has a vital role to play in promoting the industry and ensuring there is a stable regulatory and fiscal environment. In recognition of the future opportunities in the oil and gas sector, Scotland has developed an industry-led oil and gas strategy which was launched by our First Minister in May 2012. This strategy is focused on targeting higher recovery rates, greater exports and US$48 billion (£30 billion) of annual sales by 2020.”

Mr Yousaf added: “As we move towards 2014, a year that will see Scotland host the Ryder Cup, welcome the world to the Commonwealth Games and hold a referendum on Scotland’s independence, international interest is growing and we are keen to share our experience with our partners around the world.”

In addition to strong exports, Middle Eastern investors have also been active in the Scottish market for a number of years. TAQA (Abu Dhabi National Energy Company) currently supports around 500 Scottish jobs directly and a further 1500 indirectly, and announced increased investment into its Scottish energy interests in 2012. In the same year, Saudi Aramco established a research Centre in Aberdeen as part of a global network to leverage scientific expertise and strengthen collaboration in providing solutions to Saudi Aramco’s research and technology challenges.

Mark Hallan, Senior Director Europe, Middle East & Africa at Scottish Enterprise's international arm Scottish Development International, which organised the trade mission, said:

“Scotland’s oil and gas sector has a strong record of achievement and its expertise and leadership is recognised across the world. Our supply chain now records sales in over 100 countries and we are seeing increasing numbers of Middle Eastern companies recognising where Scottish expertise and talent in the energy sector can add value to their business.

“This region is a key global oil and gas hub and Abu Dhabi is the biggest oil producer in the United Arab Emirates, offering Scottish companies significant opportunities to collaborate with local partners to share their considerable expertise in a growing market.”