A new initiative launched today aims to strengthen business links between China and Edinburgh.
The International Creative Industries Incubator, launched in Shenzen in south-east China, aims to encourage creative and tech sector small to medium sized businesses (SMEs) from Edinburgh to expand overseas and raise their international profile.
A reciprocal incubator for companies from China will open in September at the Creative Exchange in Edinburgh.
Shenzhen has been identified as a target market for investment into Edinburgh’s creative industry and the two cities signed a Memorandum of Understanding in June 2013.
The document, originally signed by the Lord Provost, Donald Wilson, aims to promote business relations between the cities.
Councillor Frank Ross, Convener of the Economy Committee, said: “There is a real buzz in Edinburgh’s creative and tech sector just now, which was recently highlighted by Tech Britain as the third largest in the UK.
“Today’s opening demonstrates the appetite for promoting Edinburgh’s creative and tech businesses in China and offers international exposure and opportunity for growth.
“The reciprocal nature of the collaboration in the creative industries will bring inward investment to the city and enhance cultural relations as a number of Chinese companies take up desk space in Edinburgh later this year.”
