This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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DFM to visit Russia
16/06/2006
Increasing the level of Scotland's business activity in the growing Russian economy is at the heart of a three-day visit to Moscow next week by Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen.
Scotland's economic, political and cultural links with Russia go back hundreds of years. However, it is the future, and the scope for Scottish companies and organisations to tap into the growth of modern Russia, that is the focus of this first ever visit by a Scottish Minister to the world's largest country.
Mr Stephen will lead a Scottish trade delegation to the major 'Neftegaz 2006' oil and gas exhibition. He will also head a group of oil and gas companies meeting with Sakahlin Energy Investment Company, who are undertaking a major development in eastern Russia where Scottish firms are looking to secure contracts.
The Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Minister's programme - organised by the Moscow office of Scottish Development International - will also focus on other areas where Scotland hopes to strengthen its position in Russia: food and drink, education, tourism and cultural links.
On the way to Moscow, the Deputy First Minister will spend a day in Finland looking at that country's leading edge work on business innovation and research & development.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Stephen said:
"Russia is an important trading partner for Scotland. A number of our companies have been operating in Russia for some time, but it is clear that the scope for more Scottish companies to get involved in the huge Russian market is increasing.
"Modern Russia is a country where ambitious Scottish companies, if they want to develop and grow internationally, must make business connections.
"I've spoken recently to many Scottish companies, across a range of sectors, who are already operating in Russia. Their message is consistent and clear - the opportunities in Russia are considerable.
"I believe there is a big opportunity for far more trade between our two nations.
"Energy will be a key focus of my visit. Scotland's oil and gas expertise is globally renowned. When I visit and speak at the 'Neftegaz' international oil and gas event, I'll stress the strong experience we have in developing oilfields in the North Sea, the role of Aberdeen as the world's offshore energy capital, and the fact that we have around 100,000 people now working in the oil and gas industry in Scotland.
"I will also be helping develop Scottish-Russian links in other significant sectors like food and drink, education, tourism and culture.
"Russia is vast in size, and vast in opportunity. Scotland can win from these opportunities and can gain an edge if we develop partnerships which use Scottish skills, research and enterprise. My visit aims to open doors and build benefits for Scotland."
The main elements of the Minister's programme are:
Moscow
- Lead a delegation of Scottish oil and gas equipment manufacturers and service providers to a meeting with the Sakhalin Energy Investment Company. The Sakhalin oilfield is projected to be the biggest offshore oilfield by 2015.
- Meeting the Deputy Minister for Economic Development and Trade.
- Speech to students, lecturers, teachers and research fellows at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations.
- Promote and support the Scottish delegation at the Neftegaz 2006 International Oil and Gas Exhibition, and speech to the 4th Russian Petroleum and Gas Congress.
- Supporting a Scotch Whisky Association trade event in Moscow. Scotch whisky exports to Russia have risen from £5m in 2000 to £20m in 2005.
- Meet with Russian tour operators and VisitScotland/VisitBritain to promote Scotland as a tourist destination.
- Visit the British Council in Moscow to discuss the growing educational links between Russia and Scotland.
Helsinki
- Meetings with communications giants Nokia and with Tekes, Finland's funding agency for technology and innovation.
Background
Scottish Development International has had a full-time representative in Moscow since 1998. A second full time member of staff was appointed in 2005.
Estimated Scottish Exports to Russia in 2004 (the most recent year for which figures have been produced), were £124 million.