SCOTTISH EXPORT GROWTH MUST BE SUPPORTED
Commenting on the news that Scottish manufactured exports rose by 3% in the first quarter of 2014, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The news that Scotland’s manufactured exports have returned to growth is to be welcomed and reflects the feedback we have been receiving from our members throughout the year so far. Indeed our Quarterly Business Survey has also detected an increase in service sector exports in 2014.
“This is great news for Scotland’s economy, particularly against a background where many of our international markets are still experiencing economic issues of their own. This growth needs to be supported and sustained. Scottish Government figures show that our total exports, including goods and services, grew by only 5% in real terms between 2006 and 2012 and we have lower exports per head of population than the UK average.
“More needs to be done to realise the export potential that Scotland possesses. Chambers of Commerce are already actively engaged in facilitating trade with over 100 countries but with the right support we can do more. The world has come to Scotland with the Commonwealth Games and we must take the opportunity to export more Scottish goods and services across the globe.”
