9 April 2018
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon attended an evening reception to celebrate trade and tourism at the end of the first full day of her official visit to China.
She also highlighted tourism figures which show total spend by Chinese visitors to Scotland has increased by 414% from £7 million to £36 million since 2007.
The number of Chinese tourists to Scotland increased of 192% between 2007 and 2016. #FMChina18 pic.twitter.com/vfdevdI4Zz
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) April 9, 2018
The event featured a preview of a new global marketing campaign, launching later this week to invite people from around the world to live, work, visit and invest in Scotland.
It included a showcase from Scottish food and drink producers who are doing business in China, including Brewdog, textile producers JD Wilkie, and Abertay-Perfect World gaming experience.
Total spend by Chinese visitors to Scotland has increased by 414% – from £7 million to £36 million since 2007, FM @NicolaSturgeon said. Read more here https://t.co/IW67hLXuYk pic.twitter.com/f9L12fzJYm
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) April 9, 2018
A group of Chinese school children entertained the audience with a performance of ‘Warriors’ – a Scottish Opera production telling the story of the Terracotta Warriors.
She said:
Tourism is a vital part of Scotland’s economy, and these figures demonstrate the growing significance of Chinese visitors to our country.
I am travelling with the message that Scotland offers a warm welcome to all visitors, with our unique mix of history, stunning scenery and world-class culture and food and drink.”
Earlier today the First Minister carried out a high-level government meeting with Vice Premier Hu Chunhua. They discussed how to strengthen the friendship between China and Scotland, building on growing trade, cultural and educational links.
FM @NicolaSturgeon meets Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua in Beijing for constructive discussion about strengthening links between Scotland and China #FMChina18 pic.twitter.com/7KfSLvBikc
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) April 9, 2018
Other engagements today included:
• A meeting with the Ministry of Education to discuss opportunities for collaboration in education
• A presentation on how Scotland’s energy companies can take advantage of trade opportunities in China
• Meetings to build on existing trade and investment relationships with the China National Petroleum Corporation and China National Offshore Oil corporation.
