Scotland opens Berlin economic hub

Scottish businesses looking to invest in Germany can now seek assistance from a Scottish Government economic hub in Berlin.

The newly opened Germany Innovation & Investment Hub will promote investment between German and Scottish businesses and organisations, encourage collaboration between business, research, education and cultural institutions, and promote Scotland as a place to work, study and visit, as well as providing a platform for Scottish Government influence and engagement with Germany.

Germany is already Scotland’s fourth largest overseas market, with exports worth £1.9bn in 2016. Co-located within the British Embassy at Wilhelmstraße 70 in central Berlin, the Germany Hub will jointly house Scottish Government and Scottish Development International staff, and will complement the wider international network, covering London, Dublin, Brussels, Beijing and Washington DC. Scottish Development International also has a presence in Dusseldorf.

External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced the opening during two days of engagements in the German capital, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Glasgow and Berlin Chambers of Commerce.

She also met the organisers of the European Championships, which will be jointly hosted by Glasgow and Berlin this summer.

Ms Hyslop commented: “The opening of our Germany Hub is a signal of our intent to continue to support deep and lasting links with our European neighbours. In light of Brexit, it is all the more important that we deepen those cultural, economic and diplomatic ties.

“The Germany Innovation & Investment Hub is a significant addition to our hub network, as we seek to foster the conditions and relationships Scottish companies and institutions need to internationalise and grow. Further to that, the Hub will be a focal point for our engagement across the central Europe region.”

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chambers of Commerce, added: “The signing of this agreement could not have come at a more appropriate time, with the uncertainty that the Brexit vote has brought to future trading relationships with Europe.

“Glasgow Chamber’s board took the view that, whatever the outcomes from the negotiations, we should do our best to strengthen trading ties wherever we could, and this agreement shows that we are on the front foot in maintaining business links with Europe and not sitting back waiting on others to make decisions.”