International offices: guide

Beijing

Our office in Beijing was established in November 2005 and is based at the British Embassy.  The Scotland in China Network is a partnership between the Scottish Government and Scottish Development International (SDI), to strengthen our political and economic, cultural and education, and social relationships in keeping with our values. SDI and the Scottish Government have had a presence in China since 2003 and 2005 respectively.

The office provides a permanent presence in Beijing where we are:

• supporting more companies to do business successfully with China
• increasing Scottish exports to China
• increasing cooperation on global environmental and sustainability issues
• encouraging greater flows of talent and knowledge between our countries
• spreading awareness of Chinese culture in Scotland and Scottish culture in China
• improving awareness of our strong educational reputation and encouraging more students to study at our institutions

We aim to work collaboratively and constructively with China - promoting our values through sharing practical learning and experiences - to encourage an open, honest dialogue. This work helps us to collectively address global challenges, contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and support UN human rights treaties.

Strategic objectives

Priorities for 2023 to 2024

Building and strengthening relationships:

• reinvigorate our relationship with China after three-years’ of Covid restrictions, including with local government and through supporting high-level visits
• share examples of where Scotland has made progress on key domestic challenges that could have a global impact and help alleviate poverty and promote gender equality, with a focus in 2023-24 on alleviating period poverty
• promote Scottish culture, including Scotland's festivals, cutting-edge artists and art forms, working closely with partners in British Council, and with activities to show case key events in Scotland
• support delivery of a range of events presenting Scotland's offer to prospective students working with partners including representatives from Scottish universities and colleges, and linked to key dates such as Adam Smith Tercentenary (June 2023), Eric Liddell 100 (2024)
• promote Scotland as a destination in support of Visit Scotland, with a focus on sustainable tourism

Contributing to Scotland's trade and investment objectives:

• support and enable Scottish companies to trade with and compete in China by facilitating secure and profitable routes to market, while continuing to expand our proprietary network of buyers and partners to offer more market entry options to Scottish exporters. Major opportunities across energy: offshore wind, hydrogen, electrification of oil and gas, tidal energy, CCUS; food and drink: whisky and other spirits, salmon and seafood; consumer: fashion, home and interior, sports and outdoors; and science and technology: Medtech, Fintech, pharma.
• welcome well-intentioned, vetted and proven Chinese investors to collaborate with Scottish businesses on ambitious Foreign Direct Investment projects in areas of key need that can help to transform the Scottish economy and Just Transition to Net Zero policy

Contributing to Scotland's climate change, biodiversity and renewable energy objectives:

• promote Scotland’s climate and biodiversity focus including engaging as co-Chair of Under 2 Coalition and through links established via Edinburgh Declaration, with an emphasis on sharing expertise and practical solutions in support of our ‘Net Zero through a Just Transition’ goals, draft ‘Biodiversity Strategy to 2045’ and others’ progress towards realising COP targets and aspirations.

Contact

Head of Beijing office: Catriona Radcliffe

Email: info@scotland.cn

Telephone (Reception): +32 (0) 228 28304

Post:

Scottish Government Beijing Office
British Embassy
11 Guanghua Rd
Chaoyang
Beijing
China
100600