MSP Rona Mackay has questioned the First Minister about plans to reach out beyond Scotland’s borders and bring jobs and economic growth to Scotland.
During First Minister’s Question Time on Thursday, the Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP told how Scotland has a great record in attracting investment.
She then asked if Nicola Sturgeon could provide “an update on inward investment and plans to reach out beyond our borders to attract jobs and growth to Scotland?”
Ms Sturgeon answered telling how due to Brexit uncertainty, it is important to talk up business prospects in Scotland to potential investors around the world.
Ms Mackay said: “I am very pleased to have asked the First Minister for an update on what we’re doing to promote Scotland as an international investment opportunity.
“Amid these uncertain times Brexit is generating, we must ensure the world knows Scotland is still open for business – and is a quality and lucrative place to invest in.
“Scotland will also benefit from Nicola Sturgeon’s trip to the United States, where she is focusing on bringing jobs and business to Scotland.”
In her reply, the First Minister put forward the need to promote Scotland as an investment opportunity to companies around the world.
She emphasised how Scotland is “considered as a prime business location for global companies looking for a foothold in and access to Europe”.
During an upcoming visit to the United States, she is set to be “focused on creating jobs, opportunities and economic links for Scotland”.
She said: “The Ernst & Young attractiveness survey is published regularly and in the most recent one it highlighted the fact that we have a record level of investment projects in Scotland.
“For some years now we have seen that Scotland is the most successful part of the UK for inward investment outside of London and the south east.
“We have to work ever harder to continue that success, given the implications of Brexit. That is why we have been taking action, for example, by establishing investment hubs in Dublin, London and Berlin.”
ENDS
FULL EXCHANGE ON 30/3/17
Rona Mackay (Strathkelvin and Bearsden) (SNP):
Scotland has a great record in attracting investment—second only to London in recent years. Can the First Minister provide an update on inward investment and plans to reach out beyond our borders to attract jobs and growth to Scotland?
The First Minister:
It is really important, particularly now, that we give a message that Scotland is open for business. We continue to be considered as a prime business location for global companies looking for a foothold in and access to Europe. Just yesterday I was able to visit Genpact in Glasgow to announce its growth and expansion plans, which involve more than 300 new jobs for the city of Glasgow. I hope that everyone across the chamber will welcome that.
The Ernst & Young attractiveness survey is published regularly and in the most recent one it highlighted the fact that we have a record level of investment projects in Scotland. For some years now we have seen that Scotland is the most successful part of the UK for inward investment outside of London and the south east. We have to work ever harder to continue that success, given the implications of Brexit. That is why we have been taking action, for example, by establishing investment hubs in Dublin, London and Berlin.
Next week I will undertake a series of engagements in the United States, focused on creating jobs, opportunities and economic links for Scotland. Notwithstanding all the challenges that we face that are not of our making, we will continue to focus on doing everything that we can to bring jobs and investment to Scotland.