Listen
South Asia
08/10/2009
External Affairs Minister Michael Russell will be in India next week (October 11-15) to build on existing links between India and Scotland and to forge new relationships.
Hel will undertake a series of engagements in India focussed on trade and investment, education and science, and culture - areas for collaboration identified in the Scottish Government's Programme of Engagement with South Asia, to be published late this year.
Follow the blog: Michael Russell in India
Mr Russell said:
"The reason for focusing our attention on India is simple. Not only are there huge potential benefits to be reaped from working more closely with India, the well established existing links between our two countries provide a great platform for success.
"This visit is about strengthening historical ties as well as establishing ones that recognise what Scotland and India have to offer each other in the 21st Century.
"India has one of the few economies that continues to expand rapidly despite the global economic downturn. This presents a huge opportunity for both countries to benefit from collaboration as we both focus on a goal of increasing sustainable economic growth.
"Potential areas for collaboration include a two-way flow of trade and investment, exchanges of knowledge, skills and expertise, cultural partnerships and joint educational programmes.
"Of course, it is not the Scottish Government's job to be prescriptive. We will lay the groundwork for increased interaction and add value where we can. The potential is there, and I urge individual organisations and businesses to seek it out and make it work for them.
"As part of this visit, I am very happy to be leading a trade delegation organised by Scottish Council for Development and Industry. Such visits are incredibly important to increasing Scotland's presence and reputation, and that of Scottish businesses around the world. I am sure we will see much success from the meetings this group has planned for its week in India."