VANCOUVER, British Columbia (April 3, 2014)— Scotland’s Minister for External Affairs and International Development will host a special Scotland Week event with ScotCanBC (the Scottish Canadian Business Association of British Columbia), supported by Scottish Development International, on Friday, April 4 2014, in Vancouver.

Humza Yousaf MSP, Scotland’s first Muslim minister, will talk about strengthening business ties between Scotland and Canada to business leaders from across British Columbia and members of ScotCanBC, a volunteer led, not-for-profit organization that seeks to expand trade and investment between Scotland and British Columbia.

His visit coincides with Scotland Week, which is an annual celebration of North America’s Scottish heritage. It also marks the only visit to Canada by a Scottish Government Minister before Scotland’s Independence Referendum on September 18 2014.

“Scotland’s relationship with Canada is very important to us, and we are committed to strengthen that friendship in the years ahead,” said Yousaf about his visit to Vancouver. “I want to use this visit to Canada to build on our strong cultural and historical links, and to explore opportunities for investment and trade, and exchange of skills and expertise”.

Census data highlights that 20% of people living in British Columbia and 15% of all Canadians claim Scottish descent. This makes the Scottish community the third largest ethnic group in Canada.

There are over 30 Scottish companies operating in Canada with many more doing business with Canadian partners. In 2012, British Columbian exports to the UK were worth $328 million. Opportunities for increased trade span multiple industries including forestry, energy, food and drink, technology, life sciences and tourism.

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About ScotCanBC

ScotCanBC was founded in June 2013, and is a volunteer led, not-for-profit organization that seeks to expand trade and investment between Scotland and British Columbia, Canada. For more information about membership and sponsorship opportunities please visit www.scotcanbc.org or email [email protected].

About Scottish Development International (SDI)

SDI is a joint venture between the Scottish government, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise which helps overseas businesses tap into Scotland’s key strengths in knowledge, high level skills, technology and innovation. SDI also works to help Scottish companies do more business overseas and to promote Scotland as a good place to live and work. Its work is guided by the Scottish Government’s strategy for economic development in Scotland.

SDI established its operations in Canada in February 2011 with the opening of a Toronto office and opened an office in Calgary a year later. For more information about SDI, contact: Scottish Development International, 777 Bay Street, Suite 2800, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2G2 Canada. Telephone: 416-408-4334 or visit www.sdi.co.uk.