Scotland-German business visit ahead of new mini-embassy launch in Berlin
AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRIP by the Scottish Government to Germany has been proclaimed a success by the minister involved and the chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce.
Minister for the economy Keith Brown is concluding a two-day visit to Hamburg and the German capital Berlin in boost business links, and discuss the impact of Brexit on the German and Scottish economies.
The meeting with industry leaders in Germany is a prelude to the opening of a new Scottish mini-embassy focused on improving exports and enhancing Scotland’s global presence. The ‘Innovation and Investment Hub’ will follow the model of the Scottish Government office set-up in Dublin.
Brown, commenting on the visit, said: “The Berlin hub will raise Scotland’s profile in Germany even further, promoting collaboration and cooperation between Scotland and Germany in a number of areas, including promoting cultural exchange and providing Scottish companies with a base to build new partnerships and a low-cost place to trade.
Read more – Scottish Government in Berlin trade mission to strengthen Germany ties
“This is part of our ambitious programme of internationalisation, including measures to broaden Scotland’s export base and to grow exports beyond our traditional markets, which is why I am pleased that today’s meeting has left me in no doubt that both Scotland and Germany will enjoy further success – supporting more companies to export to German markets and encouraging further substantial inward investment.”
Liz Cameron, Scottish Chambers of Commerce chief executive, added: “Our highest priority is to make sure that Scotland remains open for business to the rest of the world. That means being able to trade and invest easily with international markets, and Scotland remaining an attractive destination for inward investment. Scotland has many natural alliances with Germany, and with direct air links from Edinburgh & Glasgow Airports, the impetus to deepen our business, cultural, social and economic relationship with Germany has never been stronger.
Read more – German support grows for Scotland to stay in European Union
“This trip is a great example of how business and government can mobilise our respective strengths to do what’s best for the Scottish economy and forge new business to business alliances. The Chamber Network has unparalleled reach internationally, coupled with a globally renowned Scottish business diaspora, we look forward to building stronger links with key regions in Germany including Augsburg, Dusseldorf and Munich.”
The links between Scotland and German are developing at a time of political flux following the vote in England and Wales to exit the European Union.
Picture courtesy of Hernan Pinera
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