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Links with Norway and Russia
12/10/2008
Jim Mather will travel to Norway and Russia this week to forge new links in energy and tourism and boost the Scottish economy.
Mr Mather will visit Stavanger and Oslo to enhance collaboration in energy research and development. He will visit a range of energy companies and meet the Norwegian Secretary of State for Energy to gather support for new grid connections, offshore renewable energy and carbon capture and storage.
Mr Mather will then travel to Moscow to encourage more Russians to holiday in Scotland.
Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism Jim Mather said:
"Four decades ago, the discovery of oil in the North Sea laid the foundations for Scotland and Norway to play a global role in world energy markets. Now in the 21st Century we are both at the forefront of developing renewables and advancing green energy solutions to tackle climate change.
"A long-term, secure energy future built on clean energy is one of the fundamental building blocks of creating sustainable economic growth in Scotland. In difficult economic times, if we are to boost our economy, harness our huge renewable energy potential and make Scotland the green energy capital of Europe, we need to build international links and capitalise on our undoubted strengths.
"Our excellence in research and development is recognised worldwide. The new Scottish European Green Energy Centre, based in Aberdeen, will be a pan-European hub of expertise in green energy technologies, helping other countries meet their aspirations. Already supported by the EU, I will be asking how Norway could be involved in this exciting project.
"I also want to identify new opportunities for Scotland and Norway to share knowledge in sustainable energy research, demonstration and deployment. In areas such as carbon capture and storage, Norway has real strengths that we can learn from. We also want to develop joint working on renewables and on North Sea grid development - crucial if we are to find the means for large scale and economically rewarding energy exports in the future."
In Moscow, Mr Mather will attend a VisitScotland trade mission bringing together Scottish and Russian tour operators to showcase Scotland's tourism strengths. He will also meet Scottish oil and gas companies and speak at an oilfield services conference.
He continued: "Tourism from Russia to Scotland has huge potential - Russians already have an affinity with Burns and know we have a beautiful country ready to offer a warm welcome.
"We will take every opportunity to showcase our nation and VisitScotland's gathering is a fantastic opportunity to sell Scotland to tour operators and get more people visiting. With Homecoming celebrations in 2009, Russians will never have a better time to experience a fantastic Scottish welcome."