The Scottish Secretary will this weekend begin a week-long diplomatic and trade mission to the Indo-Pacific, travelling to Australia, New Zealand and Singapore as

part of a drive to strengthen economic ties and deepen defence cooperation in a strategically vital region.

Douglas Alexander will meet senior government ministers and business leaders across the three countries, with discussions focused on expanding export opportunities for Scottish firms, attracting inward investment, and reinforcing long-standing security partnerships.

Alongside formal meetings, the visit will also highlight Scotland’s cultural influence abroad. Mr Alexander is due to attend international performances of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Auckland and Brisbane, showcasing one of Scotland’s most recognisable global cultural exports.

Strengthening defence partnerships

Australia and New Zealand remain among the UK’s closest defence allies at a time of heightened global instability. Australia plays a central role in the AUKUS security partnership, and in 2025 the UK signed a landmark treaty committing all sides to 50 years of enhanced defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

During the visit, the Scottish Secretary will hold talks aimed at identifying further opportunities for collaboration, particularly in naval shipbuilding and advanced defence manufacturing — sectors where Scotland has established, world-leading expertise.

Boosting trade and investment

Trade and investment will be a core focus of the mission. Mr Alexander will meet business leaders to explore how Scottish companies can grow their presence in Indo-Pacific markets, while promoting Scotland as a destination for high-value investment.

With the UK’s free trade agreements and membership of the CPTPP, the visit is intended to capitalise on strengthened trading relationships with Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Ministers say boosting exports and inward investment is key to supporting well-paid jobs and long-term economic growth in Scotland.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Alexander said: “This visit is about speaking up for Scottish businesses and Scottish exporters. Scotland benefits from the strength, reach and connections that come from being part of the UK. The UK is a strong and committed partner — in security, in trade, and in the shared values that bind us to our friends in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

“At a time of significant global uncertainty, it has never been more important to stand shoulder to shoulder with our closest allies, and I look forward to discussing how we can deepen our defence cooperation and work together to keep people safe.

“I will also be banging the drum for Scottish business. From whisky and seafood to financial services and renewable energy technology, Scotland has world-class products and expertise that are in demand across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. This visit is an opportunity to open doors for Scottish exporters, attract the investment that creates economic growth and well paid jobs back at home, and show that Scotland is open for business on the global stage.”

Scotland and New Zealand share particularly deep historical and cultural links, and the trip marks the first visit by a Scottish Secretary to New Zealand in recent times. Photo by UK Government, Wikimedia commons.