Building partnerships in Vietnam
I have been aware for some years of the economic transformation taking place in Vietnam which has seen the once war-ravaged country develop into one of south-east Asia’s more vibrant nations.
As in Wigtownshire, the people have a reputation of being friendly and extremely welcoming and tourism is seen as an element of their on-going and future success.
It was an honour recently in my Cabinet role to travel to Vietnam on a mission to help further increase trade and expand diplomatic links between our two countries.
Vietnam is an increasingly significant trading partner of the UK, boosted this year by our successful accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a largely Indo-Pacific trade bloc with an annual combined GDP worth £12 trillion.
The Government’s free trade agreement with Vietnam, now a largely free-market economy, offers substantial opportunities for companies in Scotland and across the rest of the UK to expand trade with the country which has a population nearing 100 million.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the UK establishing formal diplomatic relations with the new Vietnam and it was interesting to learn more about the already strong business and educational links with Scotland.
During my discussions with Vietnam’s Foreign Minister and other senior politicians and officials I reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to furthering co-operation between our two countries and took the opportunity to highlight the attractions of Scotland, including our own peaceful and scenic corner.
I visited both main cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, hosting a joint reception with the Scottish Whisky Association and a second showcasing a range of Scottish produce and products.
Other interesting visits were to a textile factory operated by the Coats Group, a multi-national leading textile and industrial thread manufacturer with its roots firmly in Scotland, and also meeting Vietnamese students who have studied for masters degrees in the UK.
I welcomed the opportunity to chat with students at the British University Vietnam and witnessed the signing of a new partnership agreement with Stirling University.
I’m hopeful for the future of our relationship with Vietnam and note that latest trade figures show 200 Scottish companies exported £83 million worth of goods to the country -- more than 11 per cent of the UK total. I feel strongly there is great potential to grow this success further.
On a more local note, I was interested to learn about the links between Logan Botanic Garden, near Stranraer, and the mountains of north-western Vietnam.
Curator Richard Baines has been part of an expert team collecting seeds from endangered plants, some of which will find their way back to Logan Gardens where they will be grown and nurtured in a climate, surprisingly not too dissimilar to that in what is a remote part of Vietnam.
It is indeed a small world and good to see Wigtownshire playing a part in protecting biodiversity and threatened plant species around the globe.
Shaping a route to future
A frequent question I receive from constituents is what the latest situation is regarding improvements to the A75 and the A77?
As things stand initial multi-million pound funding to carry out the necessary business case and feasibility studies has been made available by the UK Government in line with the priorities set out in Sir Peter Hendy’s Union Connectivity Report which identifies the A75 as a route of national importance.
The most beneficial A75 projects in the shorter term are those which will provide the biggest improvements to traffic flow and positive environmental impact for near-by residents. These should be the first in line to be considered.
In addition, the Prime Minister made clear recently that a share of the savings from the scaling back of the HS2 rail link will also be earmarked for improvements to the A75.
At every stage the UK Government is working closely with the devolved Scottish Government which has statutory responsibility for transport north of the border and will have the duty, as they themselves would wish, to oversee and deliver projects on the ground.
My hope is that there will be reasonable progress with meaningful schemes, as, like most Free Press readers, I’m well aware of the importance of the route both to local residents and through travellers going to and from the Cairnryan ferry ports.
As far as the A77 is concerned, which is an equally important road and ferry link, the Scottish Government receive substantial funding from Westminster each year under the Barnet formula and I would urge them to give this route the priority it deserves in their forward programmes.
I believe most progress is made when both Governments pull together with a common goal.
SNP focused on creating division
It was disappointing Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf, no doubt bowing to pressure within the SNP, is attempting to convert the next general election into a proxy independence referendum.
Seeking permission to add ‘independence for Scotland’ to the party name on ballot papers in the Westminster vote, highlights the SNP’s desperate, divisive and damaging obsession with splitting from the rest of the UK, our largest market.
SNP-Green Ministers at Holyrood should stop squandering time and public money on their self-serving separation agenda and focus instead on their devolved responsibilities, such as transport (including ferries), NHS, education and encouraging economic growth.
In my experience, few in our region want a return to the division and uncertainty created by the last independence referendum.
Buying poppy remains important
Tragic events unfolding in the Middle East show just how important having strong, well-trained and equipped armed forces are to the defence of the UK and our allies.
They are also a reminder of the tremendous contribution by generations of servicemen and women in serving our country in past conflicts and operations, some making the ultimate sacrifice.
That’s why it was a privilege as Scottish Secretary to host a launch event at Westminster recently for the start of the annual Poppyscotland appeal in the run-up to Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
Along with Helen Owen, chairwoman of the charity, I highlighted the important support provided all year to ex-service people and their families and how vital buying a poppy remains.
I know just how important Poppyscotland appreciate the efforts of the volunteers across the region during the annual appeal and here in Wigtownshire the large turnout at services and ceremonies at local war memorials is testament to the respect local people have for our armed services, past and present.
UK investing in brighter future
It may spark political debate at times but the concept of ‘levelling up’ introduced by the UK Government is having a tangible positive impact in Dumfries and Galloway constituency.
I was pleased last week when a new community boat shed at Isle of Whithorn came a step nearer after a £100k grant was confirmed from the UK Seafood Fund.
The building will be shared by Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club, Newton Stewart Sub Aqua Club and other local groups and individuals and includes a range of facilities.
Rising costs mean the project still has a long way to go but the UK funding will make a significant impact in taking the plans forward.
With substantial funding towards Stranraer regeneration, a 10-year phased £20m support programme for Dumfries town centre, an activity centre, plus bunkhouse, at Dalbeattie along with a series of other projects direct UK funding continues to be a force for good in the region,