This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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EU reception at Hampden Park
05/05/2004
Scottish businesses are already
identifying a wide range of economic opportunities on offer
in the new EU countries, Finance Minister Andy Kerr said
tonight ahead of a Marking EU Enlargement reception at
Hampden Park in Glasgow.
The event celebrated the fact that
Scotland has already established business links with the
new EU member states and that the EU is now the largest
single market in the world
Mr Kerr said:
"The EU already accounts for 55 per
cent of Scottish manufactured exports and European
enlargement offers the opportunity for Scottish businesses
to build on this strong position.
"I hope tonight's event will allow
some of the knowledge and experience that some businesses
have gained to be shared among others who are seeking new
opportunities in these new markets. I am delighted so many
Scottish businesses have already had the foresight looked
to these countries for economic potential and I encourage
more to do the same.
He added:
"The new member states have undergone
radical reforms in recent years; they are interested in
looking outwards and many of them have shown that they are
interested in looking to Scotland for our expertise in a
wide range of fields, e.g. niche markets such as public
sector projects and structural funding where we have good
experience and expertise.
"The Scottish Executive is working
hard to ensure we are ready to take advantage of these
opportunities by ensuring that businesses across Scotland
are aware of potential the new EU offers and that they have
the means to access these markets.
"EU enlargement is significant for new
members but also for Scotland. We have a huge amount to
gain and the Scottish Executive is committed to ensuring
that are well placed to benefit."
The reception was hosted by the
Executive, in conjunction with Scottish Development
International, Scottish Council for Development and
Industry and the Glasgow Euro Info Centre.