This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Ministerial visit to Japan and Singapore
17/10/2003
Deputy First Minister and Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Jim Wallace will begin a week long visit to Japan and Singapore on Monday.
The visit will focus on helping Scottish companies to establish global connections in the Far East, exploiting Scotland's increasing excellence in key clusters such as life sciences and micro-electronics, developing higher education co-operation, and meeting with companies who have already invested in Scotland.
Mr Wallace said:
"In years gone by Scottish Ministers went to the Far East with the main objective of trying to encourage inward investment projects to come to Scotland. But this is now only part of the picture. We still value those companies from overseas who decide to invest here and want to make sure they continue to do so.
"Our focus now, however, is much wider - seizing new opportunities linked to research and innovation, exploiting areas of strength in the Scottish economy, and building on our reputation for excellence in higher education.
"It is vitally important for Scotland to attract and export knowledge to key markets. Scotland must be a globally connected nation which looks outward for opportunities and success. I want to help Scottish companies who are already becoming more global in their outlook, and to encourage others to think about international opportunities.
"I will be opening Scottish Development International's new office in Singapore. This will provide vital assistance to Scottish companies looking to establish a foothold in the important South East Asia market.
"I am also determined to see us building on the partnerships already established between Japanese companies and key clusters in Scotland.
"While I am in Tokyo I will also lend my support to one of our traditional industries, textiles, who are currently promoting their finest quality products in one of the city's main department stores."
Mr Wallace added:
"The importance of higher education and lifelong learning to the Scottish economy is beyond dispute. In recognition of this fact, I want to see us enhance the links which exist between higher education institutions in Scotland and the Far East. We must also take steps to bridge the gap between university research and commercialisation to ensure Scottish knowledge and skills reap proper rewards in the global marketplace.
"An essential part of the Smart, Successful Scotland strategy is simply to tell the world about Scotland. I will also be telling people that Scotland is a good place to do business, a good place to form partnerships with and a good place to live, study and work."
The visit includes:
A speech at the British Embassy in Tokyo to key Japanese investors
Meetings with companies including Fujisawa Pharmaceutical, Mitsubishi Pharma, NEC, Nikon and Japan Storage Battery
Assist promotion of Lochcarron of Scotland in Tokyo
Meet with the Singapore Economic Development Board and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry
Promotion of Scotland through interviews with media in Japan and Singapore