Advice, contacts and support for Scottish companies can boost recovery from recession
GlobalScots can open doors around world, says Swinney
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Scottish businesses should take advantage of opportunities overseas as key economies in Europe and the US emerge from recession, Finance Secretary John Swinney said yesterday.
He was speaking to more than 100 people who have been in Glasgow for the 2009 GlobalScot international conference.
GlobalScot, founded by Scottish Enterprise, aims to expand Scotland’s standing in the international business community by using the talents of leading Scots to establish a worldwide network of expert individuals, on whom companies north of the border can call for advice, contacts and support.
Mr Swinney said: “In the current climate, we must maximise opportunities to position Scotland's economy for recovery. With the US economy growing again, as well as economies of key European nations, it is vital that GlobalScots open doors for Scottish companies across the world and promote Scotland as a great place to do business.
“We have seen many examples of the very positive contribution GlobalScots can make. For example, they have helped a Scottish life sciences company secure meetings with decision-makers in large US pharmaceutical organisations and run seminars for Scottish firms on setting up business in the US.
“Such actions have the potential to encourage inward investment in Scotland and help Scottish companies expand internationally, particularly when cautious optimism is returning to the business community. We know conditions in the global economy have improved since the end of the first quarter of this year, and the rate of decline in Scottish GDP has eased.
“But, while the UK economy remains in recession, there is no room for complacency. That is why the Scottish Government will continue to work with all of those with an interest in Scotland's economy, including GlobalScots, to boost our recovery prospects."
Following Mr Swinney’s remarks, CBI Scotland said it was a great supporter of the GlobalScot initiative, but assistant director David Lonsdale said its members were concerned that proposed budget reductions for enterprise agencies could lead to less support being available for Scottish exporters, at a time when overseas demand appeared to be returning.
