This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Manufactured exports show slight decline
12/01/2005
Data on Scottish Manufactured Exports for the period up
to 2004 Q3 was published today.
Commenting on the figures, Deputy First Minister, Jim
Wallace said:
"I am disappointed that the latest manufactured export
data show a slight decline in exports over both the quarter
and the year. However, it is important that we consider the
context of these figures carefully.
"The electrical and instrument engineering sector
(E&IE) is responsible for around 40 per cent of
Scotland's total manufactured exports, and is still going
through a period of restructuring.
"Therefore the decline recorded, both over the quarter
and year, in the sector had a considerable effect on the
overall performance of total manufactured exports.
"Outwith the E&IE sector, there has been an increase
in export sales over both the quarter and the year. This
achievement by Scottish exporters highlights that, in
general, the economic conditions in the global economic
environment are favourable, and Scottish companies are in a
position to take advantage of this.
"Both official and external survey based data show that
the Scottish economy as a whole is continuing to grow. The
most recent GDP index for Scotland (2004 Q2) showed that
the economy continued to expand, and despite these export
data, this positive performance appears to have continued
into the second half of the year.
"There was a sustained strong performance in the
Scottish labour market, with the employment level now at
its highest since quarterly records began in 1992, and the
employment rate second only to Denmark in the EU-25.
"Furthermore, business surveys showed a strengthening in
economic performance for 2004 Q3, and the latest survey
data indicate that this will continue into the final
quarter of 2004.
"Scotland's economic well being 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 Scottish enterprises
engaging and competing in the international environment as
critical for raising the competitiveness of Scottish-based
businesses."