This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Promoting business links with the Far East
23/10/2006
Nicol Stephen will support a major push by cutting-edge Scottish companies into the vast Chinese renewable energy market when he arrives in the Far East today.
The Deputy First Minister is visiting China and Japan to promote Scotland's renewable energy sector, and encourage inward investment in Scotland.
Mr Stephen will address a major international conference in Beijing at which - for the first time ever - a number of leading Scottish energy companies will exhibit in China.
China is the worlds second largest energy consumer and the third largest energy producer and represents a major opportunity market for Scotlands renewables sector.
Speaking ahead of his visit, Nicol Stephen said:
"We are responsible for real world firsts - the first commercial wave energy device, Pelamis, the worlds first marine energy centre on Orkney, and the worlds first deepwater offshore wind farm demonstration off our north-east coast.
"It is impossible to underestimate the scale of opportunity offered by the Chinese market in renewable energy technology.
"China is the second biggest energy consumer in the world. They are opening one new coal fired power station every month. The Chinese government know that this cannot be sustained and want to move to renewable energy. Scottish companies can help them achieve their aims.
"I want China - the worlds second largest energy consumer to hear and see what Scottish innovation has to offer. This week Scotlands renewables expertise will be on display in China for the first time. We should not under-estimate the commercial opportunity here. Scotland has the technology and the expertise to help transform China's renewables energy landscape."
Later in the week, the Deputy First Minister will support and promote the case for further Japanese investment and expansion in Scotland.
He said:
"Many Japanese companies have established bases in Scotland - testament to the quality of the Scottish workforce and recognition of Scotland as a business-friendly country.
"I want to see existing links strengthened - at both a business and an academic level.
"Several Japanese companies will be making decisions in 2007 about the location of their next expansions and investments. Now is the right time to press Scotland's case at the highest levels.
"I want to see new Japanese investment in Scotland. Where companies have a Scottish base I want to see them expand here, to diversify here. They will have technological and scientific expertise on their doorstep. They will have a business community and an Executive that wants them in Scotland."
The Deputy First Minister will meet with Chinas National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) - the body responsible for the design of Chinas energy structure - to develop relations, promote Scotland's energy/renewables capability and research strengths and he will explore opportunities for research collaboration between the countries.
On Tuesday he will address the Great Wall China Renewable Energy Conference. Scottish Development International is organising a Scottish Pavilion at the Conference with participation from: Ocean Power Delivery; Sgurr Energy; Renewable Devices Energy Solutions Ltd; St Andrews University Department of Chemistry; Strathclyde University Dept of Electrical Engineering.
The Deputy First Minister will be in Japan on Wednesday and Thursday and will visit the following Japanese companies: Oki Data (a printer makers that opened a new factory in Cumbernauld last November); Yaskawa Electric Corporation; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Mitsubishi has strong historical bonds with Scotland); Fuji Photo Film (Fuji are looking to diversify into life sciences/imaging, areas in which Scotland has a strong hand); Terumo Vascutek (a medical devices firm); Eurus Energy; and Fujitsu (the largest Japanese employer in the UK).