Just left Glasgow heading south on the M74. A great event and huge opportunity for Scottish companies to engage in Emerging Europe. We were very pleased to be able to team up with Scottish Development International for this event which took place right in the heart of Glasgow. Emerging Europe Smart Exporter – please remember that; a special programme of export support to enable Scottish companies to really get their exports moving. That’s what this week’s all about - getting more companies exporting!
There are some really great companies already developing their business in Poland. Souter investments is changing the face of travel in Emerging Europe with 100 big red polski buses, Scotch whisky and Crawfords shortbread are growing strongly. Baxters have got a pickle factory and Scottish Water has got a great JV going on in Poland. I almost forgot Scottish Power is actively engaged in Poland’s renewable energy market. So there’s a lot going on. There could however be much more.
The event was a superb platform for sharing sector priorities and opportunities. Aligning strengths to opportunities and highlighting areas where Scottish companies have got a right to win. A bit like a dating agency for business. Food and Drink - huge potential, we’re just scratching the surface; Energy – renewable, oil and gas - Scotland’s got some great expertise here; life science and IT - a number of Scotland’s universities are world leaders.
On a parting note from Scotland - UKTI Emerging Europe would like to welcome any companies wanting to do business in the region to our network. The region’s full of opportunity and we are there to help!
Emerging Europe - a wealth of potential for Scotland’s smart exporters!
This blog originally appeared on the FCO's Global Conversations blogging platform. Read Martin's blog on Emerging Europe in the North West here