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 qualific
ations 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.
Lin Lau, head of Asia Pacific development at Standard Life, said: "We've had our insurance joint venture since 2004 and we're looking for Mandarin speakers at the moment. We would prefer to have a pool of people to choose from to work in such areas as pensions and product development.
"Having language speakers means we don't have to employ translators. Knowing the language helps people understand the culture better, as things can be missed out in translation."
Last month China Now in Scotland was launched with the China-Britain Business Council to encourage links between the two countries.
Sir David Brewer, chairman of the China-Britain Business Council, said: "Whether investing in China, selling to China, outsourcing or simply sharing expertise, more and more companies recognise that it is the market to be in.
"Being well versed in the language will stand any company doing business in good stead, as the market continues to open up."
He said he applauded the initiative to teach Chinese languages in Scotland's schools. "China is not just the market of the future, it is the market of now, and the more people in the business world who are able to deal in Chinese the better it will be for Scotland."
SQA chief executive Janet Brown said there is a demand for Chinese speakers from Scottish firms.
"Most businesses who are targeting places like China recognise the benefits of having someone who fully understands the language and can participate in the Chinese aspects of the discussion as well as what's conducted in English.
"Companies realise that people who truly know the language know the culture and therefore know how to do business in that country."
The full article contains 435 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
