SCOTLAND has appointed its first trade and investment envoy to Japan in a bid to secure international investment.
It was announced ahead of a trade mission to Singapore and Malaysia that Stephen Baker will identify new opportunities in Japan’s decarbonisation transition, pharmaceutical, medical technology, and food sectors.
Baker previously spent 21 years with Sony, before joining Scottish Development International in 2006.
He initially covered both trade and investment as Japan country head, and later as regional director for information and communications technology, creative industry, financial services, and global business services.
He also was the Asia Pacific regional director for inward investment into Scotland.
The newly appointed trade and investment envoy for Japan, Baker said: "Japan and the UK share a strong and vibrant partnership, with Scotland taking a leading role in the energy transition.
“Given Japan's substantial economy, there are significant opportunities for trade and investment. Now is the perfect time to include Japan in your business strategy and I look forward to maximising the benefits of this global partnership for Scotland.”
Following the announcement, Business Minister Richard Lochhead, said: “Increasing trade and attracting inward investment are vital components of a thriving, growing economy and the Scottish Government’s clear message is that Scotland is open for business.
“Scottish businesses already have a strong track record when it comes to exports to the Asian market and attracting inward investment, given Scotland’s position as the UK’s most attractive place for inward investment outside London.
“This appointment will help Scotland to increase business opportunities with similar Japanese companies and organisations, like Sumitomo’s £350 million investment in a manufacturing plant in Nigg.”
The Sumitomo plant will produce cables for the offshore wind sector, and will reportedly create around 330 jobs over the next ten years. Of those, 265 will be in the Highlands and Islands including 156 manufacturing jobs on site.
