Scottish Government opens new international office in Canada

Aerial view of Ottawa - Image credit: Michael Muraz via Flickr

The Scottish Government is to open an office in Ottawa, the capital of Canada, to strengthen economic ties with the country.

The new Canada office, which opens next month, is intended to encourage investment between Canadian and Scottish businesses and organisations.

It will also promote Scotland as a place to work, study and visit; develop relationships in key policy areas like climate change, equalities and social enterprise; and encourage collaboration between business, research, education and cultural institutions in the two countries.

Canada is a top 20 export partner for Scotland, with exports in 2016 totalling £610m.

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 confirmed the details ahead of her attendance at the Canada Hub reception as part of the Culture Summit 2018 in Edinburgh.

She 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.”