Trading links between Germany and Scotland have been boosted after a meeting that included discussions about opening a Scottish Executive government Innovation and Investment Hub in Berlin.

Cabinet Secretary for the Economy Keith Brown and Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Liz Cameron met with the Association of German Chambers of Commerce to discuss the growth of international trade and investment between Scotland and Germany.

Mr Brown said: “Key outcomes of the meeting included the German and Scottish Chambers identifying key sectors of mutual interest to strengthen trade links across Germany, focusing on the regions of Augsburg, Düsseldorf and Munich.”

The idea of an Innovation and Investment Hub in Berlin — giving companies a place to meet clients and customers, target new markets and secure investment — was also discussed, along with Scottish Development International increasing its presence in Germany.

A Bavarian trade mission is to arrive in Scotland at the end of this month, focussing on energy and tech companies.

Mr Brown added: “I am pleased to have met with the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce to identify and explore areas of mutual interest and advantage.

Scotland remains very much open for business, and I am heartened by the positive response I have received from German colleagues, as we explored the regions and sectors of our two economies where we can improve trade and encourage further inward investment. The Bavarian Mission to Scotland will build on this, with a varied two-day programme offering substantial opportunities for German and Scottish companies to interact.

“Trade between Scotland and Germany is already considerable. There are more than 150 German-owned enterprises operating at around 600 Scottish sites, with almost 18,000 employees and a combined turnover of more than £4,000 million. In addition, exports to Germany were worth £1.7 billion in 2015 — more than 6% of the total.”