A series of national events aimed at promoting Scotland’s economic potential will kick off in Aberdeen next week. Led by law firm CMS and the Fraser of Allander Institute, the International Scotland events will bring together members of the business community, Scottish Government ministers and other policy influencers.
The opening gathering, focused on Scotland’s transition to net-zero, will be held in the Granite City onTuesday 22 November. Among those attending is Richard Lochhead MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Just Transition, Employment and Fair Work, who will address the participants.
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This initial event, one of three being staged across Scotland, follows this month’s release of the International Scotland report. Produced jointly by CMS and Fraser of Allander Institute, the report highlights some of the core opportunities for Scottish business, trade, and tourism to excel on the international stage. It sets out how the nation punches above its weight in key sectors, recognising the strength of the Scottish universities in supporting new, innovative companies, and highlighting how Scotland is an ideal location to attract international talent.
The report also focuses on some of the pros and cons of Brexit, suggesting that the UK’s exit from the EU could bring opportunities for the whisky market in nations like India and has also resulted in an upturn in international students at Scottish universities. It does, however, highlight the damaging impact Brexit has had on supply chains and many companies’ ability to do business, as well as its detrimental effect on foreign investment into Scotland.
During the International Scotland events, participants will discuss the key themes covered by the report with a focus on developing policy proposals and recommendations aimed at reducing economic barriers and maximising global economic opportunities.
Following the initial Aberdeen event, Ivan McKee MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, will speak at a gathering in Edinburgh on 23 November. Mr McKee will also address the final ‘Invest in Scotland’ event, which takes place in Glasgow on 7 December.
Allan Wernham, Managing Director of CMS Scotland, said: “We look forward to engaging in discussions with the North East business community, government and policy groups to build consensus on the best way forward and explore new ideas to help the Scottish economy thrive.
“CMS is proud to join forces with Fraser of Allander Institute for the International Scotland campaign. Leveraging the knowledge and expertise within both organisations, we are focused on the core themes of business, trade and tourism; inward investment; and the transition to net zero as well as the key opportunities and challenges for Scotland in fulfilling its full economic potential.
Professor Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, said: “Using the evidence base highlighted in the International Scotland report, we will engage with a wider cross-section of stakeholders to explore the key barriers and enablers for the Scottish economy on the international stage. These forthcoming events will serve as the basis for feedback, input, further reflection and, ultimately, policy recommendation to drive economic growth.”
A full copy of the International Scotland report can be found here
