Scottish businesses make global connections in Asia Pacific

The first Asia Pacific Regional GlobalScot conference, organised by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International, will be a unique opportunity for Scottish companies to engage directly with GlobalScots from Asia Pacific and across the globe to support their international growth ambitions.

More than 50 GlobalScots and representatives from more than 20 Scottish companies and universities will attend the two day event. Companies attending the event represent a number of Scotland’s key industries including energy, financial services and life sciences.

They will hear from a number of internationally renowned speakers, including Robyn Meredith, author and senior editor of Forbes Asia and Mark Beaumont, the Scot who recently became the fastest man to cycle around the world.

Finance Minister John Swinney will make a keynote speech at the event where he will say that nurturing trade links with the burgeoning Chinese economy is more important than ever at this time.

Mr Swinney said: “At a time when economies across the world are feeling the effects of a downturn, we have to make sure we are doing all we can to sell Scotland as an attractive, competitive place to invest in or do business with.”

“This government has put in place a more coordinated and joined up approach to promoting Scotland abroad. But we still need the vital help of people like the GlobalScots. Their efforts are already hugely valued and as we all continue to face growing global pressures, I urge them even more to help us create the more successful Scotland we all want to see.

“There can be few more important places to do this than China. Scottish exports to China have nearly doubled over the last four years, but there’s still real potential for more Scottish companies to break into and succeed in the Chinese market place.”

GlobalScot is a high level network made up of internationally based Scots or those with a real affinity for Scotland. GlobalScot members have helped thousands of Scottish organisations with their growth plans by providing advice, access and aspiration.

It is expected that Scottish companies will make invaluable connections at the event, leading to real business opportunities. In addition, GlobalScots will meet and network with each other to form new high level relationships.

Lena Wilson, Chief Operating Officer of Scottish Enterprise and Chief Executive of Scottish Development International, will welcome the audience in Hong Kong set out Scottish Enterprise’s approach to innovation, investment and enterprise. She said:

“The Asian markets offer our key sector companies some really strong opportunities. Given the current economic environment, it is heartening to see Scottish organisations committed to developing their enterprises and recognising the potential of the Asian markets. This gives me optimism for the future.

“There are great opportunities, provided we exploit them effectively and our network of GlobalScots are key to developing valuable connections and turning them into meaningful relationships.”

The event is the third of its type to be held and follows on from previously successful events in Edinburgh and New York. It takes place on Thursday 18 September and Friday 19 September 2008.