In a move to strengthen Scotland’s economic ties with Asia, Business Minister Richard Lochhead has embarked on a high-profile visit to China and Japan. This two-week journey, which began on April 8, 2025, aims to showcase Scotland’s world-class products, expertise, and investment opportunities to two of the world’s largest economies.
China: A Growing Market for Scottish Exports
The first leg of Lochhead’s trip takes him to China, where he will spend four days meeting with government officials, potential investors, and leading companies. The visit comes at a time when China has become an increasingly important export market for Scottish goods. Since 2005, whisky and seafood exports to China have tripled, highlighting the growing appetite for Scottish products in the Asian giant.
During his time in China, Lochhead plans to explore opportunities for further collaboration between Scottish and Chinese academic institutions. This focus on educational partnerships underscores Scotland’s commitment to fostering not just economic ties, but also cultural and intellectual exchanges that can drive innovation and mutual understanding.
Japan: Tapping into the $50 Billion Gaming Market
From April 12, Lochhead’s attention will shift to Japan, where he will support eight Scottish gaming companies in their quest to capture a portion of Japan’s lucrative $50 billion gaming market. These companies, backed by the Scottish Government’s business accelerator programme, Techscaler, will meet with potential customers and investors in Tokyo.
The gaming companies, which include Blazing Griffin, Konglomerate Games, and GLITCHERS, represent a diverse range of specialties within the industry. From virtual reality projects to educational software and healthcare-focused games, these Scottish firms are poised to make a significant impact in one of the world’s most dynamic and important gaming markets.
Expo 2025 Osaka: Scotland’s Global Showcase
A highlight of Lochhead’s visit to Japan will be the launch of Scotland’s presence at Expo 2025 Osaka. This international event, expected to attract 28 million visitors and over 150 participating countries, provides an unparalleled platform for Scotland to demonstrate its strengths on the global stage.
Scotland’s participation in the Expo will span three dedicated days, each focusing on a key sector of the Scottish economy. The first day, set for April 17, will spotlight Scotland’s thriving gaming industry and consumer-focused businesses, including distilleries, skincare companies, and seafood specialists.
“This is an opportunity for Scotland to showcase and shine on the global stage,” Lochhead remarked. “Our message in Osaka will be simple – Scotland is open for business and is one of the best places in the world to invest.”
While the focus of this trip is on forging new connections and exploring fresh opportunities, it also serves to reinforce existing relationships. In China, Lochhead will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Government Office, which opened in 2005. This milestone underscores the longstanding commitment Scotland has made to building strong ties with China.
Similarly, in Japan, the minister’s visit builds on already robust trade relations. Whisky exports to Japan rose by 7% last year, making it the seventh largest global market in terms of value. This growth in the spirits sector is indicative of the broader appeal of Scottish products in the Japanese market.
Driving Investment in a Net Zero Future
Beyond promoting Scotland’s current offerings, Lochhead’s mission includes highlighting the investment opportunities arising from Scotland’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions. This focus on sustainable development and green technology positions Scotland at the forefront of the global transition to a low-carbon economy.
“We will demonstrate first-hand that we have the skills, technology, and opportunities in a range of emerging industries,” Lochhead stated. “KeelWorks is just one example of that, and later in the year, our buoyant life sciences businesses and the offshore wind sector will also be center stage.”
Lochhead’s visit comes at a crucial time for Scotland’s economy. In the face of global economic volatility, the importance of diversifying trade relationships and accessing new markets has never been more apparent. By strengthening ties with China and Japan, Scotland aims to create a more resilient economic future for its businesses and citizens.
“In an increasingly volatile global economy, it is even more important that we help Scottish companies access new markets and deepen existing trading relationships,” Lochhead emphasised.
With Scotland continuing to position itself as a global player in industries ranging from traditional exports like whisky and seafood to cutting-edge sectors like gaming and renewable energy, this Asian tour represents a significant step forward. The connections made and opportunities explored during these two weeks have the potential to shape Scotland’s economic landscape for years to come.
With its blend of rich heritage and forward-thinking innovation, Scotland is sending a clear message to the world: it is open for business and ready to lead in the industries of tomorrow. As Lochhead champions Scotland’s world-class products, universities, and technical expertise across Asia, he is not just selling goods and services – he’s selling a vision of Scotland as a key player in the global economy of the future.
The success of this mission could well set the tone for Scotland’s international trade relations in the coming years, potentially opening doors to new partnerships, investments, and opportunities that will benefit Scottish businesses and communities for generations to come
