A delegation from Glasgow is on a mission to China to strengthen ties between the city and the eastern superpower.
The UK Government trade mission to Beijing and Shanghai includes representatives from the Scotland Office, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and the city council.
High on the agenda is securing a route from Shanghai to Scotland with Glasgow Airport keen to bag the destination.
Kirsty McNeill, Scotland Office minister, spoke to the Glasgow Times from China and said there are strong links between Glasgow and Shanghai.
She said: “I am here to bang the drum for Scotland and Glasgow.
“We want more direct travel between Scotland and China to make sure it is more convenient for business travellers and tourists.
“Chinese tourists are big spenders and when they come to Scotland thy fall in love with the place.
“The enthusiasm for Glasgow comes across strongly.”
The delegation will have engagements in Beijing and Shanghai focusing on aviation, tech and tourism.
Key sectors where partnerships are being worked on include clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and universities.
McNeill will address the China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair (CSITF) to promote Scotland as a global hub for innovation, progress discussions about new aviation links between China and Scotland and meet with women entrepreneurs.
While in the country McNeill said she will be meeting with two major airlines and the aviation regulator about a new direct route.
A route from Shanghai could be in place as early as next year if talks go well.
Glasgow Airport has signed a memorandum of understanding with Shanghai Airport committed to establishing a direct route.
Christopher Tibbett, Executive Director, Commercial Aviation and Marketing at AGS Airports, said: "Strengthening air links has the potential to unlock significant growth in trade, tourism and investment, while deepening the long-standing ties between Scotland and China.
"The UK Government’s engagement through this mission sends a strong signal of support for international connectivity and collaboration, and Glasgow Airport is pleased to be part of a delegation working to turn shared ambition into tangible outcomes.”
The strong links have been attributed in part to Glasgow Chamber of Commerce developing partnerships over many years.
Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “China continues to offer significant opportunities for businesses across key sectors where Glasgow excels, including advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and life sciences.
"For the past six years, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has led trade missions to Shanghai, building a valuable network that supports Glasgow businesses, attracts investment, develops partnerships and helps them access new customers.
“As Scotland's largest city and a growing centre for innovation, Glasgow is well positioned to grow across the Chinese market. Direct engagement with business and government leaders helps open doors that can translate into long-term economic benefits supporting job creation, investment and business growth.”
There are 10,000 Chinese students in Glasgow’s universities, and almost £800m of air freight is exported through Glasgow Airport to China every year.
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