International offices: strategic objectives

Our Paris office opened in 2018 and promotes the development of partnerships between Scotland and France. It comprises two teams who work as one Team Scotland. 

The Scottish Government team is a small team of three that leads on our diplomatic, political engagements in France as well as cultural diplomacy. The Scottish Development International team comprises eight Paris-based colleagues who lead on economic aspects and trade promotion and developing investment opportunities across a range of sectors including energy, life sciences, new technologies and food and drink.

Priorities for 2022 to 2023

• continue to develop Franco-Scottish university, research and accelerator/incubator partnerships and links. Ensuring Scotland's reputation as a global leader for innovation, research and higher education, and ambitions for continued collaboration with our French partners, is well understood.
• deliver a strong cultural programme by continuing to showcase the best of Scotland's cultural heritage (including indigenous languages, music, food and drink and textiles, Scotland's year of stories) and promote Scotland as an open facing country amongst French partners and stakeholders
• promote our world-leading action in the fight against climate change and on renewable energy building on activities relating to COP26 in Glasgow, zero carbon priorities, expertise and track record. This will also include showcasing Scotland's hydrogen and offshore wind capacities in France, based on a good understanding of France's needs and its strategic country plan
• in the context of A Trading Nation and the Trade Vision, support Scottish businesses to develop international trade and to maintain and develop new markets across the following priority sectors:
  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​life sciences: pharma services, digital health, medtech and green chemistry
  • ​​​​​​​technology: space, fintech and sustainable construction
  • energy and low carbon transition: offshore wind, low carbon hydrogen and nuclear decommissioning
  • food and drink: seafood, spirits and premium grocery
• through lead generation and business development, attract inward investment that reflects Scotland's values as a nation and will deliver better jobs and green growth in communities across Scotland, across the technology and creative industries, food and drink, low carbon and renewables and financial and business service sectors.

Contact: 

Email: francehub@gov.scot