This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Two cities are 'twin engines' of economy
26/10/2004
Edinburgh and Glasgow are twin engines driving the
Scottish economy and they should continue to work together
to ensure their future success, a conference was told
todayTom McCabe said today.
Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform Tom
McCabe urged the two biggest cities to continue to compete
internationally through collaboration.
He also confirmed an additional £40 million funding a
year in real terms for Scotland's six cities in 2006-07 and
2007-08, building on the £90 million Cities Growth Fund
announced in 2003.
Mr McCabe said:
"Cities matter. All successful economies are underpinned
by successful regions with cities at their heart.
"Vibrant, successful cities attract people to live,
learn, work and visit - all of which are vital in driving
economic growth.
"The Executive recognises the crucial role cities play
in Scottish life. Building Better Cities and the Cities
Growth Fund further demonstrate the importance we attach to
cities.
"All of our cities play an important role, but there is
no doubt our two biggest cities are the twin engines
driving the Scottish economy. But they achieve so much more
when they work together - that is how they can ensure their
future success.
"Collaboration between cities is key to competing
internationally. Other major European and world cities are
the competition for Glasgow - not Edinburgh and vice
versa.
"Our Budget offers further support which will help our
cities to turn their City-Visions into reality. An
additional #40 million a year in real terms for our six
cities will build on the #90 million Cities Growth
Fund."
Mr McCabe was speaking at seventh State Of The City
Economy conference in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
today.
The Executive's framework policy for Scotland's six
cities -
Building Better
Cities - has been a catalyst for substantive and
innovative action by Scotland's six cities and their
Community Planning partners since its publication in
January 2003.