This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Strengthening ties between Scotland and China
28/08/2006
The Executive today set out how Scotland will strengthen its links with China, the world's fastest growing major economy.
Scotland's Strategy for Stronger Engagement with China is underpinned by specific targets up to 2010.
First Minister Jack McConnell said that Scotland had already developed significant business, educational and culture links with China. He said:
"When I first visited China two years ago, it was clear that Scotland was held in high regard - our financial services industry is regarded as one of the most trusted in the world, as is our education system.
"But if we are to make the most of the opportunities offered by the growth of China's economy, then we must approach our engagement in a co-ordinated and thoughtful way."
The Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform Tom McCabe, who today began a series of engagements in China, said:
"The emergence of China is changing the world as we know it. The scale of ambition and pace of economic growth is simply incredible - and how we respond is crucial.
"The First Minister has made it clear that we must help businesses to capitalise on the opportunities that exist with China. This is why we have a Scotttish Affairs Office and a First Secretary in Beijing - to make sure we have a presence and our interests are being represented in China.
"China has contributed more to global growth so far this century than the whole of the G7 advanced economies put together. Growing Scotland's economy is our priority.
"We have strong links with China. The First Minister saw firsthand the success of our business, education and scientific links during his visit in 2004. But of course we can build on this.
"Our response calls for a sustained, national effort over a period of years and with the full involvement of our partners. We have deep and strong links we can build on - and that is exactly what this plan will do.
"Our China plan sets out clear objectives underpinned by specific targets up to 2010. It creates the environment in which the full range of Sino-Scottish relations can flourish and will leave Scotland and China well positioned to enjoy the mutual benefits this relationship will deliver."
The Strategy has 10 clear objectives, each underpinned by a specific target or indicator which will allow progress to be measured by 2010:
- Objective 1: Raise understanding of Chinese language and culture in Scotland. Target 1: At least 200 pupils studying for Chinese language national qualifications in Scottish schools by 2010. Target 2: Improve awareness of Chinese culture in Scotland by 2010 (as measured by forthcoming survey data)
- Objective 2: Increase student flows between Scotland and China. Target: Grow the number of Chinese students in Scotland faster than the UK average over the period to 2010
- Objective 3: Expand the awarding of Scottish qualifications in China. Target: Double the number of Scottish qualifications awarded in China by 2010
- Objective 4: Attract skilled Chinese to experience living and working in Scotland. Target: Grow applications from Chinese nationals to Fresh Talent-related schemes by 10 per cent per annum on average to 2010
- Objective 5: Strengthen bilateral science links. Target: Increase significantly the number of research projects involving collaboration between scientists in Scotland and China by 2010 (as measured by indicators such as funded projects and joint publications)
- Objective 6: Attract increased Chinese tourism to Scotland. Target: Attract at least 30,000 Chinese visitors per annum to Scotland by 2010, generating revenue of £11 million per annum
- Objective 7: Increase trade between Scotland and China. Target: Raise the share of Scotland's exports to China by 2010, in relation to the European OECD average
- Objective 8: Expand connections between businesses in Scotland and China. Target: Significantly increase connections between Scotland and Chinese firms by 2010. (Progress will be measured by the percentage of Scottish firms citing China as a current or future export destination and the percentage of Scottish firms with established relationships in China
- Objective 9: Work with China to address environmental challenges. Target 1: At least 10 new environmental research projects, involving Scottish and Chinese institutions, by 2010. Target 2: Scottish-based firms to support the installation of 60 GW of clean coal/green power generating capacity in China by 2010
- Objective 10: Raise the profile and understanding of Scotland in China. Target: Improve survey results for profile/understanding of Scotland in targeted groups within specific areas of China by 2010