Scotland strengthens links with Estonia
21-05-2006
A new Scottish Development International post, created on a
pilot basis, is to be set up in Estonia to help Scottish firms
tap into potential business opportunities.
At a seminar in the Estonian capital Tallin, where it is currently
Scotland Week, Deputy Finance Minister George Lyon said:
"
We are an outward-looking administration and determined to ensure
that Scotland's voice is heard on the European and world stage.
Scottish companies involved in Estonia have told us there are
more opportunities for Scotland in the Baltic States and that
is why we have established this new post.
"
I am delighted to be in Estonia to mark Scottish Week - and to
be joined by so many Scottish companies. There is great potential
for Scottish companies to tap into those opportunities and that
is exactly what this new pilot SDI post will help achieve. Along
with a strengthened Scotland House, it ensures Scottish companies
are well placed to tap into any opportunities in Estonia."
Martin Togneri, Chief Executive of SDI, said:
"
SDI welcomes the expansion of Scotland House in Estonia and is
always keen to encourage private sector initiatives that support
the international business growth of Scottish companies.
"
The pilot project in Estonia offers a cost effective opportunity
to enhance SDI's support offering for Scottish companies alongside
the services offered by Scotland House and will allow SDI to
evaluate business opportunities in Estonia and other new EU member
states, with particular emphasis on the Baltic States.
"
This project will complement SDI's existing links with the UK
department of trade and investment and embassy and consulate
network."
The new post will be based at Scotland House - which seeks
to promote Scotland and Scottish business - in Tallinn. John
McGlynn,
Founder of Scotland House and Chairman of Airlink Group, said:
"
I am delighted that SDI has chosen to work with Scotland House
to offer both private and public sector experiences and networks
in Estonia. Scotland House has already brought close to 200 companies
to the Estonian Market and looks forward to many more in the
years ahead.
"
Scotland House opened in New Delhi earlier this year and we are
grateful to Scottish Council for Development and Industry for
their support with that. Further Scotland Houses are planned."
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