Trade focus of Scotland's First Minister's visit to China

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The new direct flight route between Edinburgh and Beijing provides a good opportunity to strengthen economic ties between Scotland and China, said First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon ahead of her visit to China.

Sturgeon is visiting Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong between April 9 and 13 to promote the growing economic, cultural and educational links between Scotland and the world’s second-largest economy.

The first direct Scotland-China air route was announced last week, with Hainan Airlines set to offer a twice-weekly service between Edinburgh and Beijing from June this year.

Edinburgh Castle. /VCG Photo

"It was really good news that after a long number of years trying to secure a direct air link between Scotland and China, that will now start in June this year. It will make it easier for people in China to visit Scotland and vice versa. It will make it easier for companies looking to do business in China, to export more products to China," Sturgeon said.

Drastic increase in Scottish exports to China

In 2017, Scotland exported 2.2 billion British pounds worth of exports to China compared with 1.6 billion pounds in 2016 - an increase happening at a faster rate than any of Scotland's other top five export partners, with a rise of more than 40 percent.

/VCG Photo

"Over the past years, we have seen Scottish exports to China increase dramatically," Sturgeon said. "We have seen a growing number of Chinese visitors coming to Scotland and an increasing number of students from China choose to study here at universities. So this is a good moment to try to build on those successes and increase the trade between the two countries even more."

Sturgeon seeks to promote trade and cooperation

Sturgeon said her visit was all about increasing opportunities for trade and cooperation and she was concerned about protectionism and trade wars.

"I don't believe protectionism and trade wars benefit anybody. I think history and experience tell us everybody loses from trade wars. I have some concerns about the recent development between the US and China," she said.

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon (L) meets with Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua (R) on April 9, 2018, in Beijing. /Xinhua Photo

"My visit is all about the reverse. It is all about how in our mutual interest, we increase the trade between our countries and have all the relationship to do business with each other."

Expert views on ties between the two countries

Julian Taylor, Asia Pacific executive director of Scottish Development International, said the two countries will cooperate on the “Made in China” strategy, especially on fronts like AI, big data and renewable energy. He also said Scottish companies are growing “China-ready” as the market continues to draw in Scottish businesses.

It will be the First Minister’s first visit to China since 2015, and she will conduct a series of high-level business and government meetings, as well as education showcases, cultural engagements and other events.

(CGTN's Sun Ye and Wang Peng contributed to this story.)

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Sun Ye, Wang Peng