Scottish Secretary to visit Australia, New Zealand and Singapore to boost trade

The Scottish Secretary will travel to the Indo-Pacific region in the coming days to strengthen defence ties and increase trade.

Douglas Alexander will fly to Australia, New Zealand and Singapore over the coming week.

He will meet government and business leaders in a move he said would open the door for Scottish businesses to trade more with the countries.

The visit will also see the Scottish Secretary attend two international performances of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – one in Auckland and another in Brisbane.

Mr Alexander is expected to look at opportunities in naval shipbuilding and advanced defence manufacturing.

As well as aiming to increase exports, he will press for more inward investment to Scotland.

The Scotland Office said Mr Alexander will be the first Scottish Secretary to visit New Zealand in recent times.

He said ahead of the trade mission: “This visit is about speaking up for Scottish businesses and Scottish exporters.

“Scotland benefits from the strength, reach and connections that come from being part of the UK.

“The UK is a strong and committed partner — in security, in trade, and in the shared values that bind us to our friends in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.”

Mr Alexander said global uncertainty meant it has “never been more important to stand shoulder to shoulder” with the UK’s closest allies and explore “how we can deepen our defence cooperation and work together to keep people safe”.

He added: “I will also be banging the drum for Scottish business. From whisky and seafood to financial services and renewable energy technology, Scotland has world-class products and expertise that are in demand across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

“This visit is an opportunity to open doors for Scottish exporters, attract the investment that creates economic growth and well paid jobs back at home, and show that Scotland is open for business on the global stage.”