Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander begins a week-long mission to Australia, New Zealand and Singapore today, 15 February 2026, with a twin brief: open doors for Scottish exporters and reinforce security cooperation. His programme includes meetings with ministers and business leaders, plus Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performances in Auckland and Brisbane to spotlight a flagship cultural export, the Scotland Office said. (gov.uk)

Defence is firmly on the agenda. Canberra and Wellington are among the UK’s closest security partners, alongside AUKUS collaboration. The Scotland Office notes a 2025 treaty committing to deepen regional security cooperation over 50 years, with talks set to explore opportunities in naval shipbuilding and advanced defence manufacturing where Scottish firms have established capability. (gov.uk)

The trade calculus has shifted in Scotland’s favour since the UK joined CPTPP. Membership entered into force for the UK on 15 December 2024 and extends to Australia from 24 December 2024, reducing tariffs and streamlining market access across a bloc of nearly 600 million consumers. UK officials say more than 99% of current UK goods exports to CPTPP members will be tariff‑free as ratifications take effect. (business.gov.uk)

Bilateral deals already in force amplify those gains. The Australia‑UK Free Trade Agreement took effect on 31 May 2023 and, in its first‑year review, both governments highlighted momentum in liberalised sectors and collaboration spanning AI, health technologies, battery innovation and offshore wind-areas where Scottish supply chains are competitive. The UK‑New Zealand FTA, also live since 31 May 2023, underpins tariff elimination over time and easier services access. (dfat.gov.au)

Singapore is the services and distribution hub in this triangle. Total UK trade with Singapore reached £22.7bn in 2024, with exports at £15.4bn, aided by the UK‑Singapore Digital Economy Agreement that secures trusted cross‑border data flows and clearer digital rules for SMEs. For Scottish fintechs, engineers and consultancies, this reduces friction on licensing, data and e‑invoicing. (futureoftrade.britcham.org.sg)

Sector by sector, whisky remains a lead story. The Scotch Whisky Association reports 2025 global exports of £5.36bn, with Singapore a top market by value at £274m-even after a year‑on‑year dip-underlining its role as a regional gateway. That pattern rewards brand owners who balance direct sales with duty‑free and re‑export channels. (scotch-whisky.org.uk)

Energy and advanced manufacturing are live opportunities. Australia’s first‑year A‑UKFTA review flagged joint work on offshore wind, while New Zealand’s FTA opens scope for clean tech and specialised machinery. Aberdeen subsea specialists, Fife fabricators and Highlands grid innovators can credibly pitch project experience from the North Sea to APAC partners seeking delivery at scale. (dfat.gov.au)

Execution matters for SMEs. CPTPP rules of origin allow regional cumulation, which can help Scottish manufacturers qualify for lower tariffs when components are sourced across the bloc; meanwhile, professional mobility and mutual recognition pathways under the Australia and New Zealand FTAs, plus digital trade provisions with Singapore, make it simpler to place teams on the ground and serve clients remotely. (gov.uk)

Investment flows run both ways. Australia counts the UK among its top investment partners, and Singaporean capital remains active in UK infrastructure and tech. The mission’s inward‑investment pitch is straightforward: pair Scottish strengths in renewables, life sciences and data with long‑duration capital seeking stable returns. DFAT data underscore the depth of the Australia‑UK investment corridor. (dfat.gov.au)

Soft power isn’t an afterthought. Showcasing the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Auckland and Brisbane reinforces a familiar message to trade partners: Scotland sells high‑value products and experiences, and it does so with a global brand. If ministerial meetings convert that brand equity into procurement invites, pilot projects and MOUs, exporters will have a clearer runway into 2026. (gov.uk)