International network: annual report 2022-2023

Note of thanks

In presenting this annual report on Scotland’s international network, I want to express my gratitude – both on behalf of the Scottish Ministers, and personally – to the public servants who undertake this essential work.

Our dedicated Scottish Government colleagues posted overseas deliver outsized impact across a wide range of diplomatic responsibilities, bringing their skills to bear in the service of Scotland and in line with the values of honesty, integrity, impartiality and objectivity that are the hallmark of our civil service.

The support of our country-based staff is crucial. Recruited in the local labour market, and often nationals of the host country in which our office is based, these colleagues are a vital link, helping forge connections between Scotland and their home.

Our colleagues in Scottish Development International bring us breadth, with their global reach in key markets across the world. They also contribute a depth of expertise in the principal sectors driving the Scottish economy now – and those that have the potential to drive our economy in the future.

This work bears fruit by growing exports, delivering investment, creating and securing jobs in Scotland, and helping realise a just transition to a fairer, greener, growing economy. Promoting Scotland internationally, building those relationships, enhancing our reputation, exchanging ideas and making use of the influence that gives us are the means to those ends.

I commend and thank everyone involved, in Scotland but most especially across the world, in that great endeavour.

Rt Hon Angus Robertson MSP

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture