Scotland’s Business Minister Richard Lochhead has launched a two-week visit to China and Japan aimed at strengthening economic, cultural and academic ties, as the country seeks to expand trade beyond Europe amid a volatile global market.
Whisky, Seafood—and Gaming
The trip underscores the rising importance of East Asia to Scotland’s economy. Whisky exports to Japan rose 7% last year, placing it among the top markets by value. Meanwhile, whisky and seafood exports to China have tripled since 2005, according to the Scottish Government.
Mr Lochhead will use the visit to promote Scottish innovation in traditional and emerging sectors alike—from distilleries and skincare to the fast-growing gaming industry.
In Japan, the minister will support eight Scottish video game developers at industry meetings in Tokyo. The visit coincides with a push to position Scotland as a creative hub for gaming and tech talent, with Expo 2025 in Osaka providing a showcase platform.
“Scotland is open for business,” Lochhead said before his departure. “In an increasingly volatile global economy, it is even more important that we help Scottish companies access new markets and deepen existing trading relationships.”
Academic Partnerships, Net-Zero Investment
Between April 8 and 12, Mr Lochhead will visit China, where his focus will include fostering academic collaboration between Scottish and Chinese institutions.
From April 12 to 18, he will be in Japan, where he will also promote Scotland’s net-zero investment agenda—part of the government’s wider push to attract clean tech and sustainability-focused funding from abroad.
The Osaka Expo, where Scotland begins its presence during his trip, will feature three days of activity promoting sectors such as:
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Seafood and premium food & drink
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Sustainable skincare
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Video games and interactive tech
Strategic Pivot to Asia
The mission comes at a time when the Scottish Government is trying to recalibrate its global trade footprint following Brexit, supply chain disruptions, and shifting geopolitical alliances.
China and Japan, while politically complex partners, offer stable consumer demand and long-term opportunities across education, tourism, and green industries.
“Over the next two weeks I will champion Scotland’s world-class products, universities and technical expertise,” Lochhead said.
Scotland’s international trade strategy continues to prioritise market diversification, with renewed emphasis on Asia-Pacific and North America. The minister’s tour is part of a broader campaign to align diplomatic and economic outreach with this strategy.
