A delegation of Scotland’s technology companies is to travel to a leading hub in Germany as the Scottish Government looks to “forge new links with fellow European nations” in the wake of the Bexit vote.
The group of firms will visit a number of prominent businesses, universities and government organisations in Munich next week.
Bavaria has been described as a “leading international technology hub” and the Scottish Government is keen to establish links with the region.
The nine-strong Scottish group will be led by business minister Paul Wheelhouse.
He said: “This visit presents a very important opportunity to take a group of some of Scotland’s most exciting and innovative technology companies to Germany and to visit Bavaria in particular; an area that is known globally as a leading international technology hub.
“Our aim is that, through achieving increased collaboration across the commercial, public and university sectors, we will be able to translate this into significantly increased economic benefit for both Scotland and Bavaria.
“Germany is Europe’s largest market, as well as the third largest inward investor to Scotland and one of our most important export markets.
“In the view of the Scottish Government, the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union is without doubt the biggest threat to our long-tern economic success and, against the wishes of 62% of Scots, the UK Government proposes dragging Scotland out of the EU and our place in the world’s biggest single market.
“The decision is projected to cost the Scottish economy up to £11.2 billion per year by 2030. That is why we are determined to do all we can to protect our economic interests and it is all the more important that we reaffirm or, where not already established,forge new links with our fellow European nations and the wider family of nations.
“I therefore look forward to positive discussions with ministers within the Bavarian government and key local businesses.”
Representatives from Scottish tech companies will meet senior executives from groups including IBM, BMW, Munich Technical University, Munich Technology Centre and the City of Munich.