Scotland's international engagement and the China Strategy

The former Scottish Executive developed a China Strategy in dialogue with a wide variety of partners. This had the aim to "strengthen Scotland's engagement with China for the mutual benefit of both our nations". The strategy comprised a ten point plan. Each of the 10 objectives, set out below, was supported by targets and indicators against which progress could be measured. 

• raise understanding of Chinese language and culture in Scotland
• increase student flow between Scotland and China
• expand the awarding of Scottish qualifications in China
• attract skilled Chinese to experience living and working in Scotland
• strengthen bilateral science links
• attract increased tourism to Scotland
• increase trade between Scotland and China
• expand connections between business in Scotland and China
• work with China to address environmental challenges
• raise the profile and understanding of Scotland in China.

Ipsos was commissioned to conduct research to provide intelligence to support these objectives and help to measure progress toward the last objective in particular. The research comprised 3 main components: 

• desk research to review relevant existing intelligence
• opinion research among a range of audiences exploring levels of engagement with, and perceptions of, Scotland in China
• opinion research among a range of audiences exploring levels of international engagement in Scotland.

View the full research report on the Scottish Government website.