Scottish Government to open new office in Canada

The Scottish Government is to open a new office in Canada to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the new office in will help strengthen relations and economic ties with Canada. Picture: John Devlin

The new office in Ottawa, which will launch next month, will encourage investment between Canadian and Scottish businesses and organisations and promote Scotland as a place to work, study and visit.

It also aims to develop relationships in key policy areas like climate change, equality and social enterprise - and encourage collaboration between business, research, education and cultural institutions.

The Scottish Government said that Canada has consistently been a top 20 export partner for Scotland, with exports in 2016 totalling £610 million.

It is also one of Scotland’s biggest inward investors, with around 3,650 jobs provided by 45 Canadian companies in Scotland.

External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “This new office will help us strengthen our relationships with Canada, putting a focus on encouraging trade and investment and showcasing Scotland as a great place to work, study and visit.

“This will be the first time we have had a presence in Canada’s capital city which means our new team will be able to develop closer policy and political links with the Canadian Government, business, education and third sector partners.

“In the face of Brexit uncertainty, Scotland continues to be an attractive place to invest and do business.”