27 July 2015

It has been an action packed first 24 hours in China for the First Minister, which is the start of a trip to China and Hong Kong to promote Scotland in one of the world’s largest economies.

She kicked off her visit to Beijing by opening a new Whisky Experience Centre at the Single Malt Club and launching a new fund to allow whisky connoisseurs to invest in some of Scotland’s rarest whiskies.

£3m fund will allow Chinese whisky connoisseurs to invest in some of Scotland’s rarest drams @ScotGovFM #scotchina pic.twitter.com/vpPk2HN67D

— Scottish Government (@scotgov) July 26, 2015

The First Minister said:

“The Single Malt Club China has worked hard to promote Scotch whisky for a decade and now has nearly 5,000 members throughout China.

“It also works with 31 of our distilleries, so the support for our industry is clear, and this fund will allow Chinese whisky connoisseurs to invest in some of Scotland’s finest and rarest drams.”

The First Minister then announced that Scotland is to benefit from a further 21 Confucius Classrooms to teach primary pupils Mandarin and boost their language skills.

“We want our young people to be better prepared for life and work in a multi-cultural, global marketplace and Mandarin is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages.

“Evidence shows that early language learning improves literacy and that young children learn languages more easily.

“Extending the Confucius Classroom learning programme to primary schools will improve language learning opportunities to more Scottish pupils, in addition to the 20,000 who already benefit.

“We now have this golden opportunity to make a difference in further improving how language skills are offered and delivered to our young people.

“I am determined to give all of our young people every opportunity to improve their language and literacy skills and raise attainment for every child in Scotland.”

The education theme continued as the FM met Scottish school children who are taking part on an exchange programme with China.

On Monday morning, the First Minister made a major speech at the Chinese Friendship Association, where she said that equal rights for women is the key to sustainable economic growth for Scotland and China.

The First Minister said:

“Women’s rights aren’t something that can primarily be considered and taken account of by men – women and men should have an equal opportunity to lead and take decisions. That’s a basic right which should be recognised by communities, companies and governments all around the world.”

You can read the full speech on the Scottish Government website.

In a short break in between engagements, the First Minister undertook some media interviews, with both Chinese and UK based organisations.

A large and hugely important part of the First Minister’s trip is promoting Scotland as a fantastic place to come and do business. The First Minister spoke to an audience of over 120 Chinese business people where she announced new Sino-Scottish partnerships. The agreements, between 10 Scottish companies and Chinese private sector partners, are estimated to be worth £43.15m to the Scottish economy and will collectively create 70 jobs in Scotland.

The First Minister said:

“Scotland is well placed to benefit from China’s strategic focus on innovation, with our longstanding expertise in sectors which have been identified as essential for China’s future prosperity.

“Our world class universities and research base and an ever-growing base of innovative Scottish companies across energy, life sciences, technology, financial services and entertainment, fits well with China’s long-term investment plans for these sectors.”

Read more about the new deals on the Scottish Enterprise website.

After a long day, the First Minister hosted a reception, showcasing the very best food, drink and culture that Scotland has to offer.