Scottish Canadian links celebrated

The long established social and cultural links between Scotland and Canada have been celebrated in Calgary as part of Scotland Week in North America.

Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing hosted a Scottish themed evening for some of the cities business leaders. It marked the culmination of two days promoting Scotland in Calgary as one of the best places to do business in the world.

The Scottish Government has made it a priority to build on the strong relationship with Canada and translate this into shared economic prosperity through increased trade and investment.

More than 5000 jobs are supported by Canadian companies located in Scotland and Canada is one of Scotland’s biggest inward investors. There are particularly strong links to the oil and gas industry - 30 per cent of the oil and gas produced in the North Sea is recovered by Canadian companies based in and around Aberdeen.

Canada is also one of Scotland’s most valuable international tourism markets, with over 100,000 visitors coming to Scotland each year who spend nearly £60m in our country annually.

Mr Ewing is undertaking a series of engagements in North America as part of Scotland week. He has already held business meetings in Houston and Calgary. He will finish the week in New York, taking part in the Tartan Day Parade through the streets of Manhattan on April 14.

Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said: “Canada is tremendously important to the Scottish economy. Our countries each have strengths and real opportunities in the key growth sectors of energy, financial and business services,life sciences, food and drink,tourism and the creative industries. Together we can realise these opportunities for our mutual benefit.

“Calgary’s is a global oil and gas procurement hub and being here for the last two days has allowed me to make businesses aware that the Scottish Government remains confident of the long term future for the North Sea – one of Scotland’s greatest resources. I have had several positive meetings in the city and I look forward to maintaining these connections in future.

“The city’s business leaders have also welcomed news that Scottish Development international is opening a new office in the Calgary,underlining the importance of Alberta for Scotland’s economic aspirations..

“It is clear that we can take the strong links that we have fostered in the oil and gas industry and build on these in our growth sectors such as tourism, food and drink and renewables to help contribute to a prosperous future for both nations.”