Date Created: 24 November 2011
"The cultural and tourism links between Scotland and Canada span centuries and we had some interesting discussions on developing a world-class service culture and exploiting ancestral links."
A five-day North American visit left Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Dr Lena Wilson impressed by the “amazing opportunities” Canada can offer Scotland.
Dr Wilson's visit has increased likelihood that a high profile event hosted by by the Canadian finance and banking will be held in 2012.
The planned event will explore the potential benefits of investment in the Scottish financial services industry.
As part of the visit Dr Wilson addressed delegates at SIBOS - the world's premier financial services event - on the future of global financial centres. The conference was attended by 8000 top executives from the world's financial services industry.
This was Dr Wilson's first official visit to Canada as chief executive fo Scottish Enterprise.
She said: "There was, as you’d expect, much to talk about. The cultural and tourism links between Scotland and Canada span centuries and we had some interesting discussions on developing a world-class service culture and exploiting ancestral links. There are two million Canadians of Scots descent in Ontario alone."
Raymond McGovern, Senior Vice President of Scottish Development International in Canada, added:
"Momentum and awareness of Scottish Development International’s activities in Canada is increasing since the operation was re-established in February 2011.
"We are building relationships with the financial services sector, and recently hosted a visit to Scotland by the Canadian High Commissioner to Scotland to explore opportunities here. Now we look forward to the event in Toronto next year that will further promote our financial and banking services to the Canadian market."
In other events on the trip Dr Wilson discussed tourism, the potential of renewable energy and visited the MaRS Discovery District which aims to connect the worlds of science, business and government.
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