Scotland’s economic ties with Europe’s largest economy have been boosted by the opening of a new hub in Berlin.

The Germany Innovation and Investment Hub will promote investment between German and Scottish businesses and other organisations, encourage collaboration between business, research, education and cultural institutions, and build on Scotland’s reputation as a place to work, study and visit.

Germany is already Scotland’s fourth-largest overseas market, with exports worth £1.9 billion in 2016.

The new hub will complement the wider international network, covering London, Dublin, Brussels, Beijing and Washington DC.

It will jointly house Scottish government and Scottish Development International staff and is located within the British Embassy.

External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced the opening, as she undertook two days of engagements in the German
capital.

This included signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Glasgow and Berlin Chambers of Commerce and meeting the organisers of the inaugural European Championships (involving seven sports), which will be jointly hosted by Glasgow and Berlin this August.

Ms Hyslop said: “Scotland is an outward-looking European nation that has much to share with other countries.

“The opening of our German hub is a signal of our intent to continue to support deep and lasting links with our European neighbours.

“It is a significant addition to our network, as we seek to foster the conditions and relationships that Scottish companies and institutions need to internationalise and grow.

“Further to that, it will be a focal point for our engagement in central Europe.”