International offices: guide

China

The Scottish Government Office (SGO) in China is based at the British Embassy in Beijing. 

The Scotland in China Network is a partnership between the Scottish Government and Scottish Development International (SDI), to strengthen our political and economic, cultural and education, and social relationships in keeping with our values. SDI and the Scottish Government have had a presence in China since 2003 and 2005 respectively.

The SGO provides a permanent presence in China where we are:

• working with SDI to support companies to do business successfully;
• increasing cooperation on global environmental and sustainability issues; and
• building people-to-people links with China, including through education, culture, tourism and social policy.

We aim to work collaboratively and constructively with China - promoting our values through sharing practical learning and experiences - to encourage an open, honest dialogue – and to help us address global challenges.

Strategic objectives

Priorities for 2024 to 2025

Economy, trade and investment

Export growth

• support trade and investment plans and take a holistic approach to building the Scotland-China relationship to enable Scottish companies to trade and compete in China, facilitate and secure profitable routes to market, and unlock areas of high potential growth
• support trade missions and ministerial visits with agencies and partners to promote and further internationalise Scotland’s economy and strengthen our trading relationships.
• help to improve the trading environment for Scottish businesses, and where it adds value to support resolution of Market Access Barriers
• build government relationships to help support and promote engagement with buyers and business partners
• support SDI trade teams’ continued focus on trade support to companies and development of opportunities in energy transition, science and technology, and consumer, food and drink sectors

Inward investment

• support SDI to co-develop ambitious FDI projects in areas of key need for the Scottish economy with well-intentioned, vetted and proven Chinese investors

Tourism

• position Scotland as an inclusive, year-round destination
• improve our connectivity with China and help secure new direct air routes that are essential for inbound tourism, business connectivity, exports and the economy as a whole

Climate change, biodiversity and renewable energy

Climate change

• facilitate policy exchange with partners and attract innovation and investment into Scotland

Biodiversity

• increase knowledge-sharing on nature-based solutions, ecosystem restoration and other key areas, showcasing Scotland’s leading work on the global stage

Renewable energy

• on offshore wind, market the opportunity to invest in Scotland, capitalising on our offshore engineering heritage and to promote Scotland’s skills and expertise

Reputation, influence and relationships

Brand Scotland and Scottish connections

• use the shared Brand Scotland narrative on our social media channels and through events in China to be part of the audience-first, joined-up approach of SG’s international communications
• promote Scottish Connections in line with the Framework, with an emphasis on alumni and education links

Cultural cooperation

• promote Scotland’s diverse, traditional, experimental and innovative culture and creative sectors to facilitate partnerships between cultural organisations, institutions and museums, working with British Council

Higher education and research

• support and help to promote Scotland’s higher education and research offer, guided by Scottish higher education institutions

Knowledge exchange and partnerships

• sek to continue discussion on social issues such as helping to alleviate poverty and promote gender equality, with a continued focus on period dignity building on exchanges to date

Contact

Head of China office: Catriona Radcliffe

Email: info@scotland.cn

Telephone (reception): +32 (0) 228 28304

Post:

Scottish Government Beijing Office
British Embassy
11 Guanghua Rd
Chaoyang
Beijing
China
100600