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Scotland's links with China
06/04/2009
First Minister Alex Salmond addressed a special Homecoming reception today to an audience of Scottish business people and GlobalScots in Hong Kong - as part of the Scottish Government's visit to China to promote Scottish economic opportunities - with a similar event taking place in Shanghai tomorrow.
The First Minister also used the occasion to announce the appointment of an influential new Globalscot, Sir Gordon Wu, Chair of Hopewell Holdings, in recognition of the scholarship fund he has established with Strathclyde University.
Mr Salmond said:
"The signs of Scottish influence and culture are everywhere in Hong Kong, and it is only fair that we invite our friends throughout Hong Kong and China to Scotland to take part in our special Year of Homecoming.
"This year is a major cultural milestone for Scotland - the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. His work has been translated into every known language, including Chinese. The artist Chiang Yee drew Burns in Chinese costume, because he saw such a strong connection between Burns' songs and the sentiments of his country's traditional poetry.
"Burns belongs to the world - not just to Scotland - and we are inviting the world to Scotland in this anniversary year. We have an incredible programme of over 300 Homecoming events the length and breadth of the country, which will continue all the way through to St Andrew's day on 30 November.
"The international clan Gathering in July, for example, is an opportunity to wear the Chinese-Scottish tartan, designed by the Strathmore woollen company, in partnership with Scotland's Chinese community.
"July also brings the Open Golf Championship to Turnberry in Ayrshire, close to the home of Robert Burns.
"In China, golf is booming. It is one of the country's fastest growing sports, home to over 200 courses with another 100 courses currently under construction - with Chinese greenkeepers trained by Elmwood College in Cupar. And 'Scotland the Home of Golf' film narrated by Sir Sean Connery is now subtitled in Mandarin, and will be played to millions on Chinese state TV.
"Whisky is one of Scotland's finest exports, and China's love for our quality national drink continues to rise. Sales have soared dramatically in recent years, from just 1 million pounds in 2000 to 40 million pounds in 2007.
"And there is already substantial educational and research cooperation between Scotland and China. Indeed on Friday we will sign a new Memorandum of Understanding on stem cell research.
"There can be no doubt that Scotland's cultural connections with China are reinforcing our growing business links - which are vital in the drive to generate new opportunities for Scottish companies, and overcome the economic downturn."