Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, will visit China later this year, it was announced today.
Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, will visit China later this year, it was announced today.
The trip is aimed at building economic and cultural links, although the Scottish Government said human rights issues will also be raised.
"The First Minister is looking forward to travelling to China for an official visit that has been planned for some time," a Scottish Government spokeswoman said.
The visit is expected to take place in April and a programme of events will be announced nearer the time.
"It represents an excellent opportunity to enhance and promote Scotland's economic and cultural links with China," the spokeswoman continued.
"The Scottish Government recognises the importance that renewable energy has for our economy and society and is determined to make Scotland the green, clean energy centre of Europe. This is another area where links between both nations can be developed given China's vast potential for renewable energy."
A Scottish company, SgurrEnergy, is conducting a feasibility study for the China Meteorological Administration to help them develop offshore wind energy technology for China's 10,000 kilometre coastline.
The Government spokeswoman added: "The Scottish Government will raise the issue of human rights with appropriate representatives as we have previously."
Education secretary Fiona Hyslop visited Beijing, Shandong province and Shanghai last year, which led to a "memorandum of understanding" regarding education being signed between Scotland and China.
