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05/07/2010
Scottish companies must protect their most valuable innovations if they are to make the most of the huge opportunities offered by China's fast growing economy, First Minister Alex Salmond told business leaders today.
In an address at the Shanghai Expo on intellectual property rights in China, the First Minister said firms can protect themselves against loss of revenue, loss of reputation, and loss of competitive advantage by learning more about the IPR environment in China before entering the market.
There are a considerable number of Scottish companies doing business in China in sectors including energy, electronics, education, oil and gas. The latest Global Connections Survey statistics show that exports to China in 2008 increased by over 15 per cent compared to the previous year and the country is now the fifteenth top export destination for Scotland, valued at £295 million.
Mr Salmond said that while China offers enormous business opportunities, a "know before you go" approach to IPR can prevent future problems. Businesses looking to explore strengthening links with China can access advice through Scottish Development International's (SDI) International Preparedness Programme
The First Minister, the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) business delegation, SDI textiles mission and VisitScotland tourism group are undertaking a series of engagements, workshops and receptions in China this week to further strengthen business links and demonstrate Sino-Scottish opportunities in sectors including financial and business services, tourism, life sciences, food and drink, education and culture.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"The Scottish Government and Scottish Development International are supporting a significant Scottish presence during the Shanghai Expo to help raise Scotland's profile in China as a key destination to live, work, visit and do business.
"There are significant links that already exist between our two nations and the Scottish Government is committed to strengthening ties with China, which this year is set to overtake Japan to become the world's second largest economy.
"China's growth presents major economic opportunities and the presence of three trade delegations this week reflects the increasing number of Scottish firms that are exploring new opportunities to do trade in China.
"Scottish Development International, in partnership with key partners such as SCDI, is working with Scottish universities as well as companies and firms and organisations throughout China to identify and realise partnership and investment opportunities.
"There are many fine examples of Scottish success stories in China, such as Clyde Blowers, Erdington Group, Martin Currie and Standard Life. And to lay the foundations for success in this market it is important to take adequate steps to protect IPR.
"The Scottish Government and Scottish Development International are committed to ensuring Scottish businesses can successfully access the Chinese market and offer advice and assistance on how best to IPR. Planning an effective IPR strategy can ensure important decisions are taken quickly and reduce the risk of losing control of intellectual assets.
"Scottish businesses can take steps to protect themselves against loss of revenue, loss of reputation, and loss of competitive advantage by learning more about the IPR environment in China before entering the market.
"As the value of intellectual property rights to the Chinese economy develops, I am confident that the legal environment to protect those rights will improve. In the meantime Scottish companies must seek advice on the best approach to capitalising on the enormous opportunities available in China while safeguarding the seeds that will deliver their future economic success."
Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: "There are tremendous opportunities for Scottish companies to do business in China, but in preparing to enter this market, like any other, there are many issues that companies must consider.
"While most companies have considered the financial, cultural and other legal implications of trading internationally, it's imperative that they also take steps to protect their intellectual property in these new markets.
"SDI already has a robust International Preparedness Programme, and as part of this we are advising companies that to prosper and succeed in international markets, they must make IPR a key part of their internationalisation strategy."
SCDI Chairman Robert Armour said: "For Scottish organisations to succeed in countries like China they must enter the market with a full understanding of the challenges as well as the opportunities. Providing practical advice to companies seeking to grow their international business, both at home and on the ground overseas, is key in giving Scottish businesses a head start in the challenge of opening up new markets.
"If we are to meet the target of doubling Scotland's exports, which is achievable, we need to give them the tools to succeed and the encouragement to grasp new opportunities. This event demonstrates this effective partnership working and highlights the support networks through Scottish Government, SDI and SCDI that exist to encourage and support more of our businesses to internationalise."
Companies and organisations represented on each of the trade missions are:
SCDI Trade Mission to Shanghai and Hong Kong - Anniesland College; Bruichladdich Distillery Co Ltd; Burdica Biomed Ltd; Cameron Finlay; Craigie Engineering Sales & Services Ltd; China Club HQ Ltd; Edinburgh's Telford College; Future Factory Ltd; Gentech Sensors; Glasgow Metropolitan College; HSBC plc; Integrated International Payroll Ltd; Keppie Design; Motherwell College; Omega Diagnostics; Origin Pet Products Ltd; Platinum Golf Associates; Spectraglass Ltd; The Environment Exchange; Wilson + Gunn Architects; Young SET Ambassadors
SDI-led textiles mission - Alex Begg & Company; Replin; Mackintosh; Tartan Spirit; J&D Wilkie; Todd & Duncan
VisitScotland tourism mission - trade partners for the mission to Shanghai and Hog Kong include Hotel Du Vin; Gretna Green Group; Executive Golf and Leisure; Wang Ping Travel; and China Holidays
Scottish companies must protect their most valuable innovations if they are to make the most of the huge opportunities offered by China's fast growing economy, First Minister Alex Salmond told business leaders today.
In an address at the Shanghai Expo on intellectual property rights in China, the First Minister said firms can protect themselves against loss of revenue, loss of reputation, and loss of competitive advantage by learning more about the IPR environment in China before entering the market.
There are a considerable number of Scottish companies doing business in China in sectors including energy, electronics, education, oil and gas. The latest Global Connections Survey statistics show that exports to China in 2008 increased by over 15 per cent compared to the previous year and the country is now the fifteenth top export destination for Scotland, valued at £295 million.
Mr Salmond said that while China offers enormous business opportunities, a "know before you go" approach to IPR can prevent future problems. Businesses looking to explore strengthening links with China can access advice through Scottish Development International's (SDI) International Preparedness Programme
The First Minister, the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) business delegation, SDI textiles mission and VisitScotland tourism group are undertaking a series of engagements, workshops and receptions in China this week to further strengthen business links and demonstrate Sino-Scottish opportunities in sectors including financial and business services, tourism, life sciences, food and drink, education and culture.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"The Scottish Government and Scottish Development International are supporting a significant Scottish presence during the Shanghai Expo to help raise Scotland's profile in China as a key destination to live, work, visit and do business.
"There are significant links that already exist between our two nations and the Scottish Government is committed to strengthening ties with China, which this year is set to overtake Japan to become the world's second largest economy.
"China's growth presents major economic opportunities and the presence of three trade delegations this week reflects the increasing number of Scottish firms that are exploring new opportunities to do trade in China.
"Scottish Development International, in partnership with key partners such as SCDI, is working with Scottish universities as well as companies and firms and organisations throughout China to identify and realise partnership and investment opportunities.
"There are many fine examples of Scottish success stories in China, such as Clyde Blowers, Erdington Group, Martin Currie and Standard Life. And to lay the foundations for success in this market it is important to take adequate steps to protect IPR.
"The Scottish Government and Scottish Development International are committed to ensuring Scottish businesses can successfully access the Chinese market and offer advice and assistance on how best to IPR. Planning an effective IPR strategy can ensure important decisions are taken quickly and reduce the risk of losing control of intellectual assets.
"Scottish businesses can take steps to protect themselves against loss of revenue, loss of reputation, and loss of competitive advantage by learning more about the IPR environment in China before entering the market.
"As the value of intellectual property rights to the Chinese economy develops, I am confident that the legal environment to protect those rights will improve. In the meantime Scottish companies must seek advice on the best approach to capitalising on the enormous opportunities available in China while safeguarding the seeds that will deliver their future economic success."
Lena Wilson, chief executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: "There are tremendous opportunities for Scottish companies to do business in China, but in preparing to enter this market, like any other, there are many issues that companies must consider.
"While most companies have considered the financial, cultural and other legal implications of trading internationally, it's imperative that they also take steps to protect their intellectual property in these new markets.
"SDI already has a robust International Preparedness Programme, and as part of this we are advising companies that to prosper and succeed in international markets, they must make IPR a key part of their internationalisation strategy."
SCDI Chairman Robert Armour said: "For Scottish organisations to succeed in countries like China they must enter the market with a full understanding of the challenges as well as the opportunities. Providing practical advice to companies seeking to grow their international business, both at home and on the ground overseas, is key in giving Scottish businesses a head start in the challenge of opening up new markets.
"If we are to meet the target of doubling Scotland's exports, which is achievable, we need to give them the tools to succeed and the encouragement to grasp new opportunities. This event demonstrates this effective partnership working and highlights the support networks through Scottish Government, SDI and SCDI that exist to encourage and support more of our businesses to internationalise."
Companies and organisations represented on each of the trade missions are:
SCDI Trade Mission to Shanghai and Hong Kong - Anniesland College; Bruichladdich Distillery Co Ltd; Burdica Biomed Ltd; Cameron Finlay; Craigie Engineering Sales & Services Ltd; China Club HQ Ltd; Edinburgh's Telford College; Future Factory Ltd; Gentech Sensors; Glasgow Metropolitan College; HSBC plc; Integrated International Payroll Ltd; Keppie Design; Motherwell College; Omega Diagnostics; Origin Pet Products Ltd; Platinum Golf Associates; Spectraglass Ltd; The Environment Exchange; Wilson + Gunn Architects; Young SET Ambassadors
SDI-led textiles mission - Alex Begg & Company; Replin; Mackintosh; Tartan Spirit; J&D Wilkie; Todd & Duncan
VisitScotland tourism mission - trade partners for the mission to Shanghai and Hog Kong include Hotel Du Vin; Gretna Green Group; Executive Golf and Leisure; Wang Ping Travel; and China Holidays