21 Jan 2002
The Scottish economy stands to receive a multi-million pound boost from orders in Hong Kong and mainland China thanks to the efforts of enterprising companies working to promote exports Scottish Secretary, Helen Liddell announced today.
Speaking at a reception in the British Consul General in Hong Kong, where she was leading a Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) trade mission, Mrs Liddell said:
"The SCDI are confident that they can surpass the figure of £2.3 million of firm orders which were placed during their trade mission to Hong Kong last year, and led to an estimated £5.3 million of further business over the following twelve months. This is a challenging target but one that I hope can be met. I congratulate SCDI and their Chairman Donal Dowds, the Deputy Mission Leader, on their continuing efforts to develop existing, and open up new markets for Scottish exports.
"I will be meeting a wide range of political and business contacts in Hong Kong and will be highlighting the quality, innovation and design of Scottish goods, services and products. Our priority is to build on existing good relationships and encourage further development of new business in new areas.
"Trade missions are an excellent and cost effective way of visiting the market place. It allows the companies who are involved to learn from and support each other. Missions also have the benefit of the help, advice and expertise of staff from the UK’s network of Embassies and Consulates throughout the world.
"Scottish companies have a long and proud tradition of doing business in Hong Kong which is, of course, an important market for the UK and for Scotland.
"Hong Kong is the UK’s 14thlargest export market and 2ndlargest in the region with exports in 2000 of £2.7 billion. It is Scotland’s 16thlargest market for manufactured goods with exports in 2000 valued at £216 million.
"I am sure that with concentrated effort from business, education and government, we can increase UK trade with Hong Kong in the months and years to come."
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
BAA Scotland. BAA Scottish Airports own and operate three main international airports at Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Advanced Perimeter Systems Ltd, Stirling. Advanced Perimeter Systems is engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of Electronic and Electric Perimeter Security Systems.
Alcan Chemicals Europe, Burntisland provide speciality alumina chemicals for use in rubber and plastic industries.
Hyperion Systems Ltd, Edinburgh. Consult Hyperion is an independent IT Management Consultancy that specialises in electronic commerce.
DLA, Glasgow. Legal Services
Gordon and Macphail, Elgin. A family owned firm, with 105 years experience in the Whiskey Industry and the largest range of malt whiskies available in the world.
Halspan Ltd, Muirhouses, Bo’Ness. Halspan Ltd is a system supplier of door assemblies, in particular timber fire doors.
HSBC Plc, Glasgow. HSBC is one of the largest and financial services organisations in the world.
Ozonia Triogen Ltd, Glasgow. Ozonia Trogen Ltd is a world leader in ozone technology and the design and manufacture of ozone and UV water treatment systems.
Six Continents Hotels, Paisley. Global hotel services in Scotland and Hong Kong.
Wm Johnston & Co (Engineers) Ltd, Glasgow Wm Johnston & Co are one of the leading Gaskets cutters in the UK.
AEI Cables Ltd, Co Durham. AEI Cables promotes an extensive range of products for the construction industry.
Columbia Ribbon Manufacturing Company Ltd, London. Manufacturers of specially coated film ribbons for thermal transfer printing and MICR encoding.
Demarex, Leeds. Exporter of Automotive Spare Parts especially for truck, bus and trailer applications.
Samuel Hogarth & Sons, Mayfair, London. Luxury bathroom ware, British fabrics, costumes and corporate clothing
Scottish Council for Development and Industry, Glasgow. SCDI is Scotland’s leading independent trade development organisation and is funded entirely by its 1,200 members.