International trade and investment
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Scottish Budget 2025 to 2026: Scottish Government borrowing
An update on Scottish Government borrowing policy and progress towards a future bond issuance.
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A Trading Nation - realising Scotland's hydrogen potential: plan for exports
Co-produced with stakeholders in the hydrogen sector, this plan aligns with our hydrogen action plan and green industrial Ssrategy. It details the steps required for Scottish businesses to grasp the export opportunities hydrogen presents, as both a commodity and in the supply chain.
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Potato exports guide
Information on the conditions and phytosanitary requirements for the export of Scottish potatoes, where known by country.
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Natural Capital Market Framework
Scotland's natural environment is at the heart of our identity, economy, and communities. This document supports responsible, values-led investment in natural capital through the expansion of high-integrity voluntary carbon markets, and development of opportunities to invest in biodiversity.
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Scotland's Vision for Trade: annual report - October 2024
Our third annual report on Scotland's Vision for Trade, outlining the range of specific actions that we have taken over the past year and our continued ambition to make trade-related decisions based on the principles of inclusive growth, wellbeing, sustainability, net zero and good governance
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Building economic opportunities in Asia
Extending international business links.
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International competitiveness: overview
This paper considers Scotland’s competitiveness, with a particular focus on Scotland’s attractiveness for inward investment. It sets out measures and international comparisons of competitiveness and considers key drivers. It includes a focus on Scotland’s financial services sector.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029.
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Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 - 2029 - easy read
Easy read version of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29. The Adaptation Plan sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change from 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029
Sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change. This Adaptation Plan sets out actions from 2024 to 2029.
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Scottish Taskforce for Green and Sustainable Financial Services Final Report: SG Response
Scottish Taskforce for Green and Sustainable Financial Services Final Report: SG Response to the Recommendations.
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Green industrial strategy
This publication identifies areas of strength and opportunity for Scotland to grow globally competitive industries in the transition to net zero. It outlines what government and partners will do to support stakeholders to create an enabling environment for investment and growth.
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Overcoming barriers to the engagement of supply-side actors in Scotland's peatland natural capital markets - Annexes Volume
Research with landowners and managers in Scotland to better understand their motivations and preferences to help inform the design of policy and finance mechanisms for high-integrity peatland natural capital markets.
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Overcoming barriers to the engagement of supply-side actors in Scotland's peatland natural capital markets - Final Report
Research with landowners and managers in Scotland to better understand their motivations and preferences to help inform the design of policy and finance mechanisms for high-integrity peatland natural capital markets.
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COP28 net-zero exports close to £70 million
Scotland ‘leading the way’ on global climate action and just transition.
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Inspiring Connections: Scotland's International Culture Strategy - Gaelic Version
’S e amas na ro-innleachd taic a chur ri roinn cultair is chruthachail na h-Alba a bhith ceangailte aig ìre na cruinne gus an coilean i a h-amasan is comasan eadar-nàiseanta, is a bhith a’ cur ri math cultarail, sòisealta, eaconamach is àrainneachd na h-Alba tro a h-obair eadar-nàiseanta.
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Inspiring Connections: Scotland's International Culture Strategy
This strategy aims to support Scotland's culture and creative sector to be globally connected with the means and opportunities to achieve its international ambitions and potential, and contribute to Scotland’s cultural, social, economic and environmental wellbeing through its international work.
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Inspiring Connections: Scotland's International Culture Strategy - EasyRead version
An EasyRead version of Inspiring Connections: Scotland’s International Culture Strategy.
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International Culture Strategy: Partial Business Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA)
A partial Business Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) to support the development of an International Culture Strategy.
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International culture strategy: equality impact assessment
Findings from an equality impact assessment of our international culture strategy.
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Building a New Scotland: An independent Scotland's Place in the World
This paper sets out the Scottish Government's proposals for an independent Scotland's place in the world.
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Building a New Scotland - an independent Scotland's place in the world: easy read version
This paper sets out the Scottish Government's proposals for an independent Scotland's place in the world.
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Rural and island community support
Spring Budget needs to invest in environment and food production.
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The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland's Global Footprint - Evidence Base & Policy Levers
This report presents evidence and initial recommendations on how the Scottish Government could use the available policy levers to help ensure Scotland’s international environmental impact is sustainable.
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The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Reducing Scotland's International Environmental Impact - Learning from International Best Practices
This report supports the research project ‘Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland’s Global Footprint: Evidence Base and Policy Levers’. It summarises examples of international best practice in relation to policy levers for achieving a sustainable global footprint.
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Scotland's International Strategy
This strategy sets out our approach to international engagement and delivery to the end of the current parliamentary term.
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Am Plana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh: Sgrìobhainn Chochomhairleachaidh
This consultation covers the content of the national Good Food Nation Plan. It seeks views on the Outcomes; ways of measuring progress; and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions. This is a Gaelic translation of the consultation.
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Geàrr-iomradh air a' Phlana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government. This is a Gaelic summary of the Plan.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation - easy read
Easy read version of our consultation on the national Good Food Nation Plan, which sets out the Government's goals for food and how we will achieve them.
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National Good Food Nation Plan
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes for a Good Food Nation; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of a wide range of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation
We are consulting on the first national Good Food Nation Plan. We are seeking views on the national Good Food Nation Outcomes, ways of measuring progress and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions.
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International culture strategy: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to the public consultation for the international culture strategy.
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International culture strategy: consultation analysis - executive summary - easy read
Analysis of responses to the public consultation for the international culture strategy.
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Investor Panel recommendations: Scottish Government response
The Scottish Government agrees with the Panel that there are characteristics of investor friendly states that Scotland should seek to emulate and that require a new and very different approach if Scotland is to attract the scale of global capital required. The Government accepts this challenge.
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Investor Panel: Mobilising international capital to finance the transition to Net Zero
Large scale private capital investment is needed to enable Scotland’s just transition to net zero. The Investor Panel’s proposals will help to make Scotland a globally competitive investment destination. They include clear priorities, more agile decision making and upskilling Ministers and officials
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Team Scotland's Export Promotion Support: evaluation
Summary findings of an evaluation of delivery partner support and services offered to businesses with export sales projects in Scotland between April 2018 and April 2021.
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Taking a feminist approach to international relations: position paper
This position paper sets out the scope and guiding principles of our feminist approach to international relations.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment for the vision for sustainable aquaculture.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture
The Vision for sustainable aquaculture describes the Scottish Government’s long-term aspirations to 2045 for the finfish, shellfish and seaweed farming sectors, and the wider aquaculture supply chain.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture: child rights and wellbeing screening sheet
Child rights and wellbeing screening sheet for the Vision for sustainable aquaculture
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Agricultural food and drink sector - impact of future UK Free Trade Agreement scenarios: research
This research assesses the impacts of future Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between the UK and four selected non-EU trading partners on key Scottish agricultural sectors. The work combines trade-model and farm-level analysis, supplemented by industry interviews and desk-based research.
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Team Scotland's inward investment support: evaluation
An evaluation of delivery partner support and services offered to companies with inward investment projects in Scotland between 2018 to 2019 and 2020 to 2021.
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Scotland's Vision for Trade: annual report - June 2023
Our second annual report on Scotland's Vision for Trade, outlining the range of specific actions that we have taken over the past year and our continued ambition to make trade-related decisions based on the principles of inclusive growth, wellbeing, sustainability, net zero and good governance.
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Scottish trade outperforming other UK nations
Office for National Statistics data indicates “very positive” signs for Scotland.
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Entrepreneurial Campus: summary
Summary of The Entrepreneurial Campus: The higher education sector as a driving force for the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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Just transition for the built environment and construction sector: a discussion paper
This discussion paper is intended to support engagement on a just transition for the built environment and construction sector. Building on this engagement, a draft targeted action plan and route map (late 23/24) will outline the key steps to delivering a fair transition for the sector.
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Mobilising private investment in natural capital: report
This report looks at how to encourage responsible private investment into peatland restoration, including how to overcome barriers to scaling voluntary carbon markets to restore peatland in Scotland.
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Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start
This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.
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A Trading Nation – framework to grow Scotland's renewables exports
This framework reaffirms the commitments made from ‘A Trading Nation’ to ensure our trade and investment agenda is front and centre of our economic growth strategy. Outlines how we can work in partnership with industry to identify opportunities to grow exports around the world.
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International culture strategy: survey
We are seeking views to inform the development of a strategy to support the international aspirations and potential of Scotland’s culture sector.
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International culture strategy: survey - easy read
We are seeking views to inform the development of a strategy to support the international aspirations and potential of Scotland’s culture sector.
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Attracting Investment for a net zero future
Developing policy with green investors in mind.
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A Trading Nation: progress review 2022
Three years into the delivery of our 10 year export growth strategy, A Trading Nation (ATN), our strategy remains firmly focused on the recovery and growth of Scotland’s exports through values-based trade. This review documents our progress and delivery so far.
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Shaping Scotland's economy: inward investment plan
Shaping Scotland’s Economy: Scotland’s Inward Investment Plan sets out our ambition for Scotland as a leading destination for inward investment aligned with our values as a nation.
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Concerns over Free Trade Agreement
UK’s deal with New Zealand “damaging” to Scottish farmers and food producers.
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Delivering Scotland’s trading aims
Revitalised Trade Board membership.
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Safeguarding the food and drink sector
Chancellor urged to avoid trade war.
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New US Trade and Investment Envoys
Extending international business links.
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Strengthening bonds with US and Canada
Cabinet Secretary engagements in North America.
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Vision for Trade annual report
A responsible approach to global markets.
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Growing tech exports
Action plan published to identify new markets and opportunities.
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Urgent action needed to tackle cost of living
Finance Secretary writes to Treasury ahead of Spring Statement.
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Economic Crime Bill
Greater powers to fight corruption.
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Stop trading with Russia
Businesses urged to show solidarity to Ukraine.
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Deal agreed to establish Green Freeports
Scottish and UK Government reach agreement.
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Scottish success at World Expo
Companies secure contracts from global showcase.
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International travel testing updated
Scotland to align with UK testing regime.
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Investing with Purpose: global capital investment plan
Plan articulating the important role private capital investment can play in driving an investment-led recovery. The plan focuses on sectors where Scotland can demonstrate a real international comparative advantage, and marks a pivot in our approach towards targeting ESG investment.
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New border control post at Cairnryan
Site to be used for post-Brexit import inspections.
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Scotland’s Vision for Trade
Economic, social and climate ambitions at heart of approach.
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Trade: our vision
The trade vision sets out our trade principles of inclusive growth, wellbeing, sustainability, net zero and good governance. These principles are rooted in Scotland’s National Performance Framework and will underpin the trading and investment relationships we want for Scotland.
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Response to agreement to reopen French border
Call to prioritise perishable goods hauliers.
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Shaping Scotland's Economy – inward investment plan: Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment
Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment (FSDA) - an evidence based assessment of potential direct or indirect socio-economic and inequalities of outcome impacts from delivery of Shaping Scotland's Economy, Scotland's Inward Investment Plan.
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Finance, Constitution Committee briefed on Single Market
Proposal ‘bad for consumers and business, and disastrous for devolution’.
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Parliament briefed on risks from a UK Internal Market
Constitution Secretary calls UK White Paper “disastrous for devolution”.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19): the case for extending the Brexit transition period
This paper sets out why it is vital, if we are to ensure the most rapid recovery possible from the COVID-19 crisis, that the UK Government immediately seeks an extension to the Brexit transition period (scheduled to finish on 31 December 2020) for two years.
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‘Reckless’ approach to US trade talks
Proposed deal damaging for Scotland.
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UK mandate will hit Scotland’s economy
EU talks plan sets “extraordinarily low bar.”
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Scottish exports increase
Figures show growing value of European market.
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Boosting Scotland's exports
First Minister stresses importance of international links.
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Scotch Beef back on the menu
Canadian restaurant first to sell Scotch Beef since 1996.
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A Trading Nation - a plan to grow Scotland's exports: FSDA
Fairer Scotland duty assessment (FSDA) - an evidence based assessment of potential direct or indirect socio economic and inequalities of outcome impacts from delivery of A Trading Nation export growth plan.
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A Trading Nation - a plan to grow Scotland's exports: EQIA
An evidence based assessment of potential equalities impacts from delivery of A Trading Nation export growth plan.
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Promoting Scotland-US relations
Trade Minister visits US.
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Salmon exports to Japan
Demand increasing in deal with sushi chain.
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Japanese firm sets sights on Scotland
Plans for Glasgow base.
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Mission to strengthen links with Japan
Trade and culture on the agenda
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Red meat exports: potential administrative costs of trade under WTO rules
This research investigated what the costs will be incurred by Scotland’s red meat export sector when dealing with the EU under World Trade Organisation regulations.
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Arctic Connections: Scotland's Arctic policy framework
A prospectus for cooperation, knowledge-exchange and policy partnerships between Scotland and the Arctic.
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Building ties with Germany
First Minister visits Berlin.
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Food and drink exports
Five year vision outlined.
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Scotland's export performance monitor
Analysis produced to support the development of our new export growth plan 'Scotland: a trading nation'.
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No-deal Brexit: economic implications for Scotland
Illustration of the potential impact that a no-deal Brexit - leaving the EU on the 29th March 2019 without a transition period or agreement on any future trade deal and wider economic relationship - could have on the Scottish economy over the next 12-24 months.
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Promoting Scottish business abroad
Engagement with corporate leaders in North America.
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Showcasing food and drink
First Minister promotes Scotland’s natural larder in Canada.
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Strengthening ties with Canada
Scottish office in Ottawa opens.
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International exports continue to rise
Majority of growth in exports to EU countries.
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Scotland’s exports increase
A National Statistics publication for Scotland.
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Brexit and businesses: sectoral impact analysis
This Brexit readiness assessment summarises the risks to business of a no-deal Brexit and captures the views of over 80 businesses and trade associations.
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Trade policy: response to UK Government consultation on future free trade agreements
The Scottish Government’s initial response to consultations on the UK’s future trade relationships with Australia, New Zealand, and USA.
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Brexit deal uncertainty
EU trade and agreements worth £16.4 billion to Scotland.
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Strengthening ties with India
Deputy First Minister to promote Scotland internationally.
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Investing in the Malawian economy
£418,000 allocated to businesses to drive development.
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Minister visit to Southern Africa
International development and strengthening relationships.
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Programme for Government 2018 to 2019
Sets out our plans for the next year, including the Bills that will be introduced to the Scottish Parliament.
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Scotland's role in the development of future UK trade arrangements
This paper discusses the role of the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament and others in the development of future UK trade arrangements, to help ensure that Scotland’s economic and other interests can be protected and enhanced.
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Growing exports to Germany
FM heads business delegation to Berlin.
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Scotland's International Framework: China engagement strategy
Scotland's commitment to a strong, long-term, bilateral partnership with China.
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Germany hub opens for business
Latest innovation & investment office launched in Berlin.
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Global campaign takes Scotland to the world
A major new campaign will put Scotland in the international spotlight and showcase the country’s world-leading assets to a global audience.
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International exports still on the rise
Upward trend continues.
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Budget sets out economic growth package
Economic expansion at centre of spending plans.
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Scotland’s Budget
Investing in the NHS, protecting low earners, backing Scotland’s economy.
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Scotland and India collaborate on social enterprise
“World-leading” expertise to support social entrepreneurs in India.
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Trade Envoys appointed
Team will champion Scottish businesses abroad.
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Deputy First Minister visits India
Focus on education, skills and the economy.
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Decommissioning fund awards
£1.1 million to applicants in first round of funding.
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Fracking debate
Scottish Parliament endorses ban.
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£10.5m investment in life sciences
Biospyder and Acadian seek new opportunities in Scotland.
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Haggis on the menu in Canada
Scotland to start exports of haggis for the first time in 46 years.
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Economy Secretary visits US and Canada
Promoting Scotland internationally.
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Regional trade statistics
47% of exports are to EU.
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Nordic Baltic policy statement
Statement aiming to strengthen relationships with countries in the Nordic and Baltic regions by promoting policy exchange and collaboration.
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Support for Scottish businesses abroad
First Minister outlines government backing to increase exports.
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Brexit planning process 'unacceptable'
Minister raises concerns over lack of engagement by UK Government.
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£5.3 million for Ayrshire
Funding for The HALO regeneration project on former Diageo site.
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Amendments to UK Brexit Bill will be proposed
First Ministers of Wales and Scotland agree actions to counter serious risks to devolution.
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Brexit risk to farming
Ewing: No deal not an option.
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Asian appetite for Scottish food and drink
Food and drink exports hit £1 billion.
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American firms invest £6.3m in Scotland
44 jobs created or safeguarded.
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Great Repeal Bill
Holyrood powers “must not be diminished”.
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Scotland's International Framework: US engagement strategy
This document outlines our strategic objectives for engagement with the US.
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Scotland's International Framework: Canada engagement strategy
This document outlines our strategic objectives for engagement with Canada.
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First Minister visits USA
Promoting Scotland overseas.
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Life sciences in Scotland
Industry focused on £8bn target.
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Safeguarding German investment
Cabinet Secretary for the Economy travels to Hamburg and Berlin.
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Fair Trade Nation
Scotland sees sharp rise in people buying into idea.
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Clarity on Brexit
Finance Ministers voice disappointment following quadrilateral meeting.
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From Tokyo with love
Toshima Ward to host Scotland Day and offers venues to Scottish performers.
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Scotland prime location for Japanese investment
Japanese firms enjoy record turnover of £187 million in Scotland.
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Scotland's views must feature in Article 50 letter
Continued lack of clarity from UK Government.
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Article 50 Bill
Scottish Parliament opposes beginning of process to withdraw from EU.
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Future of farming
First Minister updates farmers on approach to Europe.
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Scotland in Europe
Cabinet Secretary asks European Parliament to ensure Scotland’s voice is heard during Article 50 process
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Joint Ministerial Committee on Brexit
UK must be prepared to compromise
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European links under threat
Brexit impedes cultural and tourism opportunities.
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Scotland’s Exports Increase
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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International exports rise by £1 billion
Membership of new Trade Board confirmed
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Brexit, food and farming
Cabinet Secretary highlights threat of leaving the European Single Market on food and farming industries.
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Strengthening ties with Japan
Trade links on agenda.
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Trade and investment briefing
Keith Brown meets Consular Corps.
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Single Market membership
Keith Brown outlines the risks of hard Brexit.
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Scotland's International Framework: US engagement strategy (draft)
This is the draft version of our strategy for engagement with the US. The final version was published in March 2017.
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Scotland's International Framework: Canada engagement strategy (draft)
This is the draft version of our strategy for engagement with Canada. The final version was published in March 2017.
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Scotland's Place in Europe
Paper published on options to keep Scotland in Single Market.
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Economic Summit
Continued strong links with Europe.
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Scotland forges stronger links with Kenya
Bilateral trade deal opens Kenyan potato market.
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Scotland to benefit from significant EU funds
Investment for vital projects to tackle poverty and inequality.
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Scotland must remain in EU single market
Keith Brown calls for parliamentary consensus over single market membership.
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Hard Brexit hit for Scottish exports
Think-tank predicts service exports could be cut by 60% if removed from Single Market.
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Global Scotland: trade and investment strategy 2016-2021
Our eight-point action plan to increase trade and investment in Scotland.
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Scotland's International Framework: Pakistan engagement strategy
Outlines key areas of engagement between Pakistan and Scotland.
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Scotland's International Framework: India engagement strategy
Outlines key areas of engagement between India and Scotland.
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Trade and investment strategy: economic evidence discussion paper
This discussion paper uses economic evidence to analyse Scotland's trade and investment performance in an international context.
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Fair Trade Nation criteria: our scores
Table showing our scores against the criteria required to become a Fair Trade Nation.
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