Scottish First Minister extends best wishes to Chinese New Year

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has extended best wishes to the people of China and hailed the strong bond of friendship between both sides of Scotland and China.

In a Chinese new year message in a video clip published on the homepage of the Scottish government website, Salmond said as the year of the Dragon draws to a close and people welcome the year of the Snake, "I would like to extend my best wishes to the people of China", and it is an appropriate time to reflect on the strengthening relations, which bring great benefits to both Scotland and China.

With Scottish exports to the world's second largest economy rising sharply, the Scottish first minister noted in his message to Chinese people living in Scotland and across the world that Chinese business had brought in an additional 605 million pounds (956 million U.S. dollars) to the Scottish economy, said the press release on Sunday.

"Since the Scottish Government first published a China plan back in 2006, and gave a five-year strategy for engagement with your wonderful country, Scottish exports to China have risen by 45 percent and in turn Scotland has seen major investments from China in industries such as oil and gas, refining, textiles and engineering. "

He added that the deepening friendship is appreciated on both sides and the recently released new China Strategy has been welcomed by the Chinese Government to express the highly valued partnership would bring "promising prospects".

"It is clear that Chinese investors see Scotland -- the land of invention -- as a great place to do business and we know Chinese people are increasingly keen to get hold of our top quality food and drink products with exports of Scottish salmon and whisky now at record levels." Salmond said.

He also noted that the friendship goes beyond economics across a range of sectors, from education and academia, to digital expertise and to culture, mentioning the giant pandas in the zoo at Edinburgh and digitisation of the Eastern Tombs of the Qing Dynasty by Historic Scotland.

"So, the future for Scotland's relationship with China and China's relationship with Scotland is bright and I am in no doubt that during the next five years, the friendship will grow, and continue to deliver fantastic results for the people of Scotland and the people of China. " said Salmond.

"I would therefore like to take this opportunity as First Minister of Scotland to wish you all good fortune and a Happy New Year." he concluded in Chinese "Guo Nian Hao" and the video ended on the screen with "Xin Nian Kuai Le".