This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Chinese Vice President visits Scotland
31/10/2001
His Excellency Hu Jintao, Vice President of the People's Republic of China, embarked on a two-day visit of Scotland today.
First Minister Henry McLeish said:
"This visit further underlines that the Scotland Executive is gaining an increasing reputation as a global player and is building close links as part of a strong UK. Scotland is a confident and outward-looking nation - and I am pleased His Excellency Hu Jintao has decided to spend two days of his European visit here.
"Scotland already has excellent links with China - Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace visited this year - and this visit strengthens the strong links which already exist. I hope to build on those links and visit next year.
"There is no doubt that there is great potential for Scotland to build on these ties. I will emphasise to His Excellency that Scotland is a great place to do business and that Scottish companies would like to do more business with China.
"Manufactured exports from Scotland to China are already worth a total of £350 million. I want to make that figure even more impressive.
"Scotland already has a high-profile and a great reputation in China and we have a Scottish Development International presence there to boost our trade links. Following this visit, I will investigate how Scotland can raise its profile in China to tap into its massive potential - it has a population of 1.3 billion - and exploit the good links we already have."