This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Minister comments on Manufactured Export figures
06/10/2004
Scotland's manufacturing export performance over the
quarter to 2004 Q2 indicates that the country is well
placed to move forward as demand continues to strengthen in
the global economy.
That was the message today from Enterprise Minister Jim
Wallace, as he commented on the
Scottish
Manufactured Exports 2004 (Quarter 2) figures published
by the Scottish Executive.
He said:
"I am encouraged that the most recent manufactured
exports data for Scotland shows that there has been an
increase for the second successive quarter (+2.9 per
cent). The data supports business survey evidence, where
there was a general consensus that export activity had
strengthened during this period. Although there is still a
decline for the year to 2004 Q2 ( 8.2 per cent), the latest
data suggest that the decline has been reversed and I would
hope that this recent growth will continue into the second
half of
the year.
"The recent data reinforces the view that the Scottish
economy is currently performing well. The most recent GDP
index for Scotland shows that the economy is expanding,
with growth over the most recent quarter (0.2 per cent) and
over the year (1.6 per cent) to 2004 Q1. This positive
performance appears to have continued into the second
quarter of the year, with employment now at its highest
level since quarterly records began in 1992. The most
recent survey evidence suggests that this will continue
into the second and third quarters, with export activity
expected to strengthen along with the economy as a
whole.
"Scotland's economic wellbeing is inextricably linked to
global economic circumstances. Our job is to ensure that
we have the conditions to maximise sustainable economic
growth in the medium and long term. Our recently revised
economic development strategy, The Framework for Economic
Development in Scotland, highlights the importance of
Scottish enterprises engaging and competing in the
international environment. This is critical for raising the
competitiveness of Scottish-based businesses."
The statistical release Scottish Manufactured Exports
2004 Quarter 2 was issued today by the Scottish Executive.
Scottish manufactured export sales grew by 2.9 per cent in
real terms in 2004 Q2 but decreased by 8.2 per cent over
the year to 2004 Q2.