This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland and the Czech Republic
31/10/2004
Finance and Public Service Reform Minister Tom McCabe was on the first direct scheduled flight between Glasgow and Czech Republic today.
Investment from the Executive's Route Development Fund secured the new service by Czech Airlines.
Mr McCabe said:
"This first direct flight between Glasgow and the Czech Republic is great news for both countries. I believe it is another significant step to building on the close relationship we already enjoy.
"It can only help develop the strong economic, cultural and business ties which already exist between Scotland and our new partners in the new Europe.
"I have no doubt that the service will lead more visitors - both business and leisure - to see first-hand what Scotland has to offer.
The MInister is in the Czech Republic meeting senior Czech politicians and business people to raise the profile of Scotland and Scottish expertise.
He will meet the Minister for Regional Development and the First Deputy Minister for Finance from the Czech Republic government and will also meet with the President of Central Bohemia Region.
He will call upon the new Chief Executive of CzechInvest to discuss the Czech Republic's success in promoting itself as a place to do business and to highlight why Scottish businesses should be the partners of choice.
He will also visit The Lion's Roar, an exhibition of Scottish silver organised by the British Council in Prague as part of a summer festival to promote Scotland.
The two-day visit will be rounded off when he speaks at the Global PPP Summit in Prague.
Mr McCabe said:
"I am delighted to have the opportunity to promote Scotland abroad so soon after my appointment as Minister with portfolio responsibility for external relations.
"Scotland and the Czech Republic have enjoyed close connections in recent years and the accession of the Czech Republic to the EU earlier this year provides new opportunities to strengthen business, civic and cultural ties.
"This visit has given me the chance to learn more about opportunities for Scotland in the Czech Republic and promote awareness of opportunities and strengths in Scotland, particularly our Fresh Talent initiative which encourages people to come and live and work in Scotland.
"While here I will also take part in the Global PPP Summit which will allow me to share some of Scotland's experience in using PPP to deliver improvements in public services as well as to hear of comparable experiences around the globe.
"Meeting senior politicians from around the world is an important part of promoting Scotland's international image."