First Minister with Bob Low, MD of J & D Wilkie, at their new factory in China.


new innovation collaborations that deliver a boost in business growth for both countries. It is important we keep the profile of Scotish innovation high.”


China’s love affair with whisky was also given a boost during the trip with the announcement of a new £3 million fund to allow Chinese whisky connoisseurs to invest in some of Scotland’s rarest drams.


The fund, generated by members of the Single Malt Club China (SMCC), will be used to buy valuable malts, such as limited editions from distilleries or


botles from single caskets.


Last year the club imported 60,000 botles and the £3 million Whisky Investment Fund will contribute to growing those imports by another 20 per cent next year.


Scotland exported almost £4 billion of whisky last year with around 10 per cent of that going to China.


First Minister meets State Councillor for foreign affairs Yang Jie Chi


“Innovation is key to capitalising on the growing Chinese economy and I wanted to show what we as a country can offer,” said First Minister Nicola Sturgeon about her trip to China.


Overall, food and drink exports from Scotland to China are worth £85 million to the Scotish economy having risen by 12 per cent in a year and 83 per cent since 2007.


“Emerging markets like China are actively looking at Scotish produce and these figures show a clear recognition that our produce is highly regarded and sought aſter,” said Ms Sturgeon.


September 2015 45


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