This weekend [15 February 2026], the Scottish Secretary will
travel to Australia, New Zealand & Singapore
Trade opportunities and international security will be at the
heart of Scottish Secretary Alexander's programme as he embarks
on a week-long visit to the Indo-Pacific region.
Mr Alexander will meet government ministers and business leaders
across Australia, Singapore and New Zealand. The visit will also
see the Scottish Secretary attend two international performances
of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - in Auckland and Brisbane
- showcasing one of Scotland's most important 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 is a
key part of the AUKUS partnership, and in 2025 we signed a joint
treaty with a 50-year commitment to deepening security
cooperation in the region. Mr Alexander will hold discussions
aimed at identifying further opportunities for collaboration,
including in naval shipbuilding and advanced defence
manufacturing where Scottish industry has world-leading
expertise.
Boosting trade and investment
The Scottish Secretary will meet business leaders to discuss how
Scottish companies can expand into new export markets across the
region, while making the case for increased inward investment in
Scotland. With our free trade agreements and UK membership of the
CPTPP, the visit offers an opportunity to capitalise on
strengthened trading relationships with all three nations.
Boosting trade means well paid jobs and investment at home.
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 have deep historical links, and Mr
Alexander will be the first Scottish Secretary to visit in recent
times.
