SCOTTISH universities will work with Hong Kong institutions to share expertise in life sciences and energy to boost international investment, the First Minister has announced.

A framework agreement between the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong and the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) was signed on the fourth day of the First Minister's trade mission to China, which has seen the signing of Sino-Scottish partnership deals worth £40 million and an agreement for Heriot Watt to become Scotland's fifth Confucius Institute, focused on Chinese business and communication.

Mr Salmond said: "Today's agreement will bring the benefits of Scotland's world-leading reputation for excellence in higher education to Hong Kong.

"It sends a clear message that Scotland and Hong Kong are working closely together."

SFC chief executive Laurence Howells said: "The agreement will give Scotland's next generation of research leaders some wonderful opportunities and will further enhance the reputation of Scottish university research."

Julian Taylor, executive director for Asia Pacific, Scottish Development International, said: "This Framework Agreement is only the start of what is expected to be a long-term sustainable partnership."