Scottish minister explores fisheries and trade opportunities in Chile

Wednesday, November 5th 2014 - 03:34 UTC

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Minister Paul Wheelhouse with Under-Secretary of Energy, Jimena Jara.

Scottish Minister for Environment and Climate Change Paul Wheelhouse visited Puerto Montt and Santiago to strengthen links with Chile on fisheries and climate change. Chile and Scotland have two of the largest global aquaculture industries.

Mr. Wheelhouse was a guest of honor at the Aquasur fisheries fair in Puerto Montt at the end of October and during his presentations the Scottish minister encouraged greater bilateral trade in the sector. Various Scottish companies in aquaculture and marine renewables including Aquatera and Albertern, joined the minister to explore trade opportunities.

The Minister also met the Chilean Under-Secretary of Fisheries, Raul Galdames, and agreed to explore further bilateral co-operation in regulatory, academic and commercial issues.

In Santiago Mr. Wheelhouse met with authorities to discuss co-operation in culture, renewable energy and sustainable transport. His meetings included Carolina Toha, Mayor of Santiago; Jimena Jara, Under-Secretary of Energy and Eduardo Bitran, Vice-President of CORFO.

Before returning to Scotland, Mr. Wheelhouse took part in some cultural activities with strong Scottish links. He attended a concert in La Pintana by Musica Para Todos, an initiative modeled on Scottish Live Music Now. He also attended the homeless football world cup, this year taking place in Santiago. The concept was started by a Scot, and Scotland entered a team in the competition.

“It has been a pleasure to visit Chile, a beautiful and prosperous country, where I have received a very warm reception. I have been impressed not just at the range of links with Scotland, but also the range of opportunities for deepening these links, especially in aquaculture, renewable energy and climate change”, said minister Wheelhouse at the end of his visit.