Scotland: Chinese classes to fly flag for Scottish growth

[Francis Hult]

Via lgpolicy...

Chinese classes to fly flag for Scottish growth

Date: 11 May 2008
By Rosemary Gallagher

SCOTLAND is stepping up its efforts to tap into the booming Chinese
economy by offering schoolchildren national qualifications in Mandarin
and Cantonese for the first time. The Scottish Qualifications
Authority (SQA) hopes 200 candidates will complete the first courses
by 2010 and that the initiative will appeal to businesses targeting
the Chinese market. From August, pupils can study for intermediate
level qualifications in Mandarin and Cantonese and next year Higher
and Advanced Higher grades will be offered as part of the Scottish
Government's Stronger Engagement with China policy. Having a pool of
Chinese speakers will help Scottish businesses trade with China, whose
economy grew by 11.5% in 2007.

Several Scottish companies, such as Standard Life, Royal Bank of
Scotland and Weir Group, already do business with China or have set up
joint ventures. But some say deeper understanding of the culture and
language would improve opportunities.

Full story:
http://business.scotsman.com/industry/Chinese-classes-to-fly-flag.4071204.jp



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