The Scottish Chambers of Commerce network is leading three delegations later this year and into 2022, providing the platform for Scotland to showcase its skills, expertise and innovation across a range of sectors on the global stage.

At what will be one of the first major in-person events as the world emerges from the COVID pandemic, the trade missions give Scottish firms the chance to connect with hundreds of potential new business partners from around the world in a single visit.

Running from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo ever hosted in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.

It will welcome more than 25 million visitors and 190 countries with a stated aim of hosting a World Expo that inspires people by showcasing the best examples of collaboration, innovation and cooperation from around the world.

The Scottish Chambers network is organising three delegations that will guide its businesses through the experience, linking them with the right connections and hand-picking events around topics and themes where our national businesses shine.

Along with the support of 30 local Chambers across Scotland, Scottish Chambers will use its global links through the international Chamber network to set up meetings with carefully matched companies from around the world.

The first delegation departs in November and will showcase Scottish luxury products and experiences. Businesses can build on the established and deserved reputation the country already enjoys, as well as gaining an opportunity to get a global overview of how trends are changing.

Into 2022 and building on the COP26 event being held in Glasgow, the focus of the second delegation is tackling climate change and the expertise Scotland can offer the world.

Having turned its world-leading engineering skills to green energy, Scottish businesses can benefit from the strong sustainability theme that runs through the whole event. Some of the world’s most advanced technology is on show, which makes it the ideal stage for Scottish technical innovation.

The final delegation is also on an important topic in which Scotland leads the way: diversity and equality.

Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “As we continue towards a new normality, it is time to address the longer-term economic crisis that continues to loom large.

“One of the ways the Scottish Chambers of Commerce network is doing that is by helping to re-establish vital connections between businesses in Scotland and the rest of the world.

“With Scotland’s culture so richly steeped in entrepreneurship and invention, there are few places better positioned to remind the world of our world-renowned reputation for enterprise and trade than Dubai.

“It is important that Scottish business takes full advantage of the opportunities to reconnect with the world.”

Ivan McKee, minister for business, trade, tourism and enterprise, added: “Our objective is to enable Scottish businesses to export more goods and services to more markets and to secure greater foreign investment for Scotland.

“We want Scotland’s exports to continue to increase, and for Scotland’s economy and international profile to grow with them.

“We estimate that over 68% of future opportunities to grow Scotland’s exports are in 15 countries, and every one of those countries are represented at this World Expo.

“With global markets re-opening, it is vital that we reconnect with these opportunities.”