This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7985505.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
China insight for Scottish firms China insight for Scottish firms
(about 2 hours later)
A new project offering local knowledge to Scottish businesses hoping to expand into China has been launched.A new project offering local knowledge to Scottish businesses hoping to expand into China has been launched.
The announcement came as First Minister Alex Salmond and Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop began a week-long visit to the country.The announcement came as First Minister Alex Salmond and Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop began a week-long visit to the country.
The joint initiative between Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Hong Kong will provide research and practical assistance to Scottish firms.The joint initiative between Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Hong Kong will provide research and practical assistance to Scottish firms.
Promoting trade partnerships is a key aim of Mr Salmond's trip.Promoting trade partnerships is a key aim of Mr Salmond's trip.
Whisky, financial services and renewable energy are among the targeted trade development areas, as well as education, science and innovation.Whisky, financial services and renewable energy are among the targeted trade development areas, as well as education, science and innovation.
Overseas expansionOverseas expansion
Launching the Hong Kong-based project, Ms Hyslop said: "For businesses seeking to expand overseas, getting the right advice and support from universities with established links in the local area is even more important, particularly in these difficult economic times.Launching the Hong Kong-based project, Ms Hyslop said: "For businesses seeking to expand overseas, getting the right advice and support from universities with established links in the local area is even more important, particularly in these difficult economic times.
Expanding these links will help see our companies come through the current downturn better First Minister Alex Salmond Charting Salmond's visit to China
"The Edinburgh Institute initiative will help Edinburgh Napier University - which has been operating in Hong Kong for around 20 years - work with Scottish Development International to support Scottish businesses who are seeking to make the most of overseas markets in Hong Kong and China.""The Edinburgh Institute initiative will help Edinburgh Napier University - which has been operating in Hong Kong for around 20 years - work with Scottish Development International to support Scottish businesses who are seeking to make the most of overseas markets in Hong Kong and China."
She added: "Scotland has already given the world many outstanding and lasting innovations and achievements, from the television to the telephone. We need to ensure that the products of today make an equally strong impact across the globe to support our nation's economic recovery."She added: "Scotland has already given the world many outstanding and lasting innovations and achievements, from the television to the telephone. We need to ensure that the products of today make an equally strong impact across the globe to support our nation's economic recovery."
Mr Salmond will meet Chief Executive Donald Tsang, Hong Kong's political leader, later on Monday. Mr Salmond later held talks with Hong Kong's political leader Chief Executive Donald Tsang and spoke to more than 100 business leaders.
Educated workforce
He said Scotland's pro-business environment, well-educated workforce and relatively low costs made it an attractive destination for Asian investment.
"The time is right to step up efforts across all sectors and to deepen our partnerships in vital areas, areas that are the cornerstone of our China Plan - such as science, innovation and education," he said.
"Expanding these links will help see our companies come through the current downturn better, stronger and quicker and better placed for the long-term."
The Scottish delegation, comprised of Mr Salmond, Ms Hyslop and eight other officials, will visit Shanghai on Tuesday and Beijing for the rest of the week.The Scottish delegation, comprised of Mr Salmond, Ms Hyslop and eight other officials, will visit Shanghai on Tuesday and Beijing for the rest of the week.
The trip is the tenth made by Scottish ministers to China since 2004 and follows Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy's visit last month.The trip is the tenth made by Scottish ministers to China since 2004 and follows Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy's visit last month.