This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Promoting Scotland's enterprising spirit
28/11/2005
Whisky distillers teamed up with the Executive today to re-affirm a commitment to promote the whisky industry for the benefit of the wider Scottish economy.
The whisky industry supports 41,000 Scottish jobs and annually generates £800m of income in Scotland. Every year, over £2billion pounds of whisky is exported - contributing £70 a second to the balance of trade - making the industry one of the UK's top five manufactured export earners.
'Scotland's Enterprising Spirit' is a new partnership document launched by Deputy Enterprise Minister Allan Wilson and Ian Good, Chairman of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), at Glengoyne Distillery, near Glasgow.
It spells out the economic importance of Scottish whisky and identifies areas where government and industry co-operation can support its continued success. Issues include promoting responsible attitudes to alcohol, growing whisky exports, ensuring a fair tax and regulatory burden, encouraging tourism, sustainable development, and the industry's proposals for a new Scotch Whisky definitions law.
Mr Wilson said:
"When people around the world think of Scotland, Scotch Whisky is probably one of the first images that springs to mind.
"The Executive is therefore committed to doing all within its power to provide its wholehearted support to an industry so successful and vital to Scotland's economy. I am confident that by continuing to work hand-in-hand with the sector,Scotland 's whisky industry can continue to flourish and further strengthen its global reputation."
Mr Good added:
"Scotch whisky embodies the spirit of enterprising Scotland. Scottish distillers are modern businesses, innovating and investing, and leading the way on the international stage. A successful Scotch whisky industry supports over 40,000 Scottish jobs and is integral to a healthy economy.
"Scotch whisky can only be made in Scotland and decisions taken at home today will have an impact on industry competitiveness in the future. Continuing success cannot be taken for granted. We are therefore delighted to be able to renew our commitment to work closely with The Scottish Executive, building on past co-operation, to ensure distillers can successfully meet the opportunities and challenges the industry faces globally today, and to grow Scotch Whisky and the wider Scottish economy."
The 'Scotland's Enterprising Spirit' Partnership updates an earlier document - 'A Toast to the Future' - signed by the Executive and SWA in November 2000.