This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Henry McLeish Encouraged by Scottish Manufactured Exports
04/08/1999
Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Henry McLeish says the quarterly Scottish manufactured exports estimates showing an 8.3 per cent increase are encouraging news.
Commenting on the exports estimate for the period up to 31 March, 1999, Mr McLeish said:
"I am pleased to see that manufactured exports increased by 8.3 per cent in real terms in the year to 1999 Q1. It is very encouraging that Scottish exporters are continuing to perform resiliently in the face of difficult trading conditions.
"The UK Government is delivering low inflation and sound public finances, the essential foundation for achieving high and stable levels of growth and employment in both Scotland and the rest of the UK.
"This stability has enabled Scottish Trade International and its support network to assist almost 200 non-exporting companies to establish international business. This is well on the way towards the Government in Scotland's commitment to get 500 new Scottish firms exporting by the year 2001.
"Scottish Trade International continues to develop a range of programmes and initiatives specifically aimed at increasing exports from small and medium sized companies and thereby widening Scotland's export base.
"It is also pleasing to note the establishment of official quarterly manufactured exports figures as part of the Executive's overall commitment to improving the range and quality of available economic statistics."
News Release: SE0219/99
4 August, 1999