An Angus textiles firm which has proved ahead of the game in fostering close links with a developing market in China needed little advice from Scotland”s First Minister when he visited the Shanghai Expo offering words of wisdom to business leaders.
The long-established Kirriemuir firm J. & D. Wilkie already has a manufacturing operation at Jiaxing in China and, as indication of the importance placed on developing its Far Eastern market, chairman Michael Rowan personally attended the exhibition to strengthen contacts.
“With over 140 years experience J. & D. Wilkie takes pride in their ability to quickly adapt and implement the necessary changes in both technology and manufacturing processes, to meet their changing customer and market requirements,” said a spokesman.
Earlier this year the firm took part in an Angus Council-led trade delegation to Beijing, Yantai and Shanghai which generated seven figures’ worth of direct sales for Angus companies.
The council has also approved a follow-up visit in October.
The Angus trading relationship with China is now well-established over more than a decade.
Council leader Bob Myles, who took part in the spring trade mission said, “Over the years, the council has built very strong relationships in key sectors in China that gives our local companies a head start with both initial introductions and ongoing business developments.
“The investment in these relationships is now reaping solid returns and the latest visit was of great assistance to both J. & D. Wilkie and Angus Dundee Distillers of Glencadam Distillery in Brechin.”
Scotland has a distinct presence at the Expo, which is expected to attract 70 million visitors over six months.
The Scottish government has been working with VisitScotland, Scottish Development International (SDI) and the British Council to promote Scotland at this major global gathering as a great place to live, work, visit and do business.Innovation”The Shanghai Expo is a unique opportunity to showcase Scottish innovation, culture and heritage to a truly international audience at the biggest visitor event in the world this year,” said First Minister Alex Salmond.
“China is one of the most important forces in the world economy and the Scottish Government recognises the vast opportunities that strengthening and fostering links between our two countries will bring.
“Our far-reaching and continued engagement with China is creating long-term benefits for Scotland and supports the government’s economic recovery programme of expanding trade, providing real benefits for jobs and businesses.”
Scottish Enterprise chief executive Lena Wilson added, “We want to encourage more partnerships between Chinese and Scottish businesses, and SDI can help make this happen.
“The Expo is a great way to bring companies together, explore the opportunities available in both countries and cement existing relationships.”
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 15th top export destination for Scotland, valued at £295m.