Call to double Scots-China trade

Mr Murphy called for a trade boost despite the downturn

Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy has said he wants to see a doubling of trade between Scotland and China over the next 10 years.

In a speech at Hong Kong University, he said the drive would forge new connections and create new jobs at a time of global economic difficulty.

Mr Murphy is leading Scotland's largest trade mission to China, with business group the SCDI.

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond is to head up a similar mission to China.

Mr Murphy said the world had gone through a crisis of confidence and credit not seen for 80 years and warned that not even China - one of the world's biggest economies - was immune.

But he argued Scotland and China were forging even closer links, despite the credit crunch.

"Despite the downturn and possible short-term dip, over the next decade I believe Scottish trade with China could - indeed should - double," said Mr Murphy.

"That would bring new jobs to both our countries, new connections, new friendships."

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