Scotland’s business ties to Hong Kong will be strengthened this week as the UK’s Consul General Brian Davidson visits Edinburgh to build connections with businesses and boost investment.
Consul General Davidson’s visit is part of a ‘domestic roadshow’ launched by the UK Government earlier this year, in which leading diplomats are being asked by the Foreign Secretary to meet with businesses across the country to support them to expand into key growth-driving markets.
Hong Kong is already the UK’s 18th biggest trading partner, with the relationship worth over £27 billion and supporting thousands of jobs across Scotland. This week’s two-day visit will explore further opportunities for businesses to expand there.
Foreign Office Minister, Seema Malhotra, said:
“Kickstarting economic growth across the whole of the UK is a priority for this government and our diplomats are playing an important role in this mission.
“The Consul General’s roadshow visit to Scotland will strengthen partnerships that matter most to Scottish businesses – from Scotch whisky exports to financial services and research collaboration with Hong Kong.
“This is about creating good jobs and delivering real opportunities for communities across the country, including across Scotland.”
Consul General Davidson arrived in Edinburgh yesterday <Nov 27> for a two-day visit to Edinburgh to engage with leading Scottish sectors driving exports to Hong Kong.
Discussions with the Scotch Whisky Association and Scottish Financial Enterprise will highlight opportunities for two of Scotland’s most valuable industries in a market with strong and growing demand.
He will also meet with the University of Edinburgh, a world-class institution with ties to Hong Kong through research collaboration, alumni networks, and partnerships.
Consul General to Hong Kong, Brian Davidson said:
“It’s a privilege to be back in Scotland, a place close to my roots, to strengthen the partnerships that drive growth across the UK. At the same time, my thoughts are with everyone affected by this week’s tragic fire in Hong Kong.”
Over a dozen Roadshow visits with top Ambassadors and High Commissioners have taken place to date across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, helping to build international connections for local businesses.
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Scotland exported goods worth over £400 million to Hong Kong last year, accounting for 4.5% of the UK’s total exports to the territory, making Hong Kong one of Scotland’s top Asian markets.
The UK Government has helped secure new direct cargo flight connections between Hong Kong and Scotland as part of its mission to support local jobs and drive economic growth. Strengthened trademark protections for flagship products such as Scotch Whisky, are set to boost Scotland’s food and drink exports even further.
Hong Kong’s position as a leading international financial centre complements Scotland’s own vibrant financial services sector. Major Scottish asset managers, including Baillie Gifford and Aberdeen Place, leverage Hong Kong to access capital and investment opportunities across high-growth Asia-Pacific markets.
