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Framework for international engagement
22/04/2008
Building on the sense of outward looking optimism growing in Scotland, the Scottish Government's International Framework was unveiled today.
The framework sets out a meaningful and focused approach for the Scottish Government and other key delivery partners to develop a 'Team Scotland' approach and contribute to Scotland's performance in attracting people to live, work, learn and visit Scotland - crucial aspects in meeting population and economic growth targets set out in the Government Economic Strategy.
The Framework shows how the Scottish Government will internationalise Scotland's business in pursuit of increasing sustainable economic growth, further our strategic objectives, build on areas of excellence in which Scotland could establish itself internationally, promote Scotland's rich cultural identity and address our international reputation.
Speaking ahead of a reception to present the International Framework to the Consular Corps, Minister for Europe and External Affairs Linda Fabiani said:
"The way in which Scotland engages, operates and projects itself on the international stage is vital to our success as a nation.
"The central strand to the Framework is aligning our resources around the Government Economic Strategy targets - creating the right conditions for talented people to live, study, work and remain in Scotland and bring a sharp economic growth focus to the promotion of Scotland abroad.
"We are focusing on sectors where we are genuinely excellent and will push for international opportunities in areas such as climate change, renewable energy and life sciences - using this as a platform to promote Scotland's reputation abroad.
"We have seen the overwhelming success from the recent Scotland Week in North America where we adopted a more strategic, targeted, more business-focused and efficient approach. This is very much in line with how we manage our reputation as a distinctive global identity.
"Scotland has a rich and vibrant culture and we will ensure better use of our cultural assets to communicate with a wider audience about Scotland and its role in the world.
"This Framework is an outward looking, progressive plan for international engagement - one which underlines this government's vision for a globally competitive, successful Scotland."
More detailed objectives for particular markets or areas of work will be set out in a series of plans under the International Framework:
- New draft Action Plan for European Engagement Outlines engagement with the EU and Europe more generally with a view to pursuing a number of action points across all of the strategic objectives. The new Action Plan for European Engagement will be presented and discussed with key partners and stakeholders across Scotland in the coming months to consider how a co-ordinated approach can be developed between Government, partners and stakeholders to ensure Scotland's voice is heard loud and clear in Europe.
- Refreshed China Plan (to be published shortly) Sets out the Scottish Government's aspirations for Scotland's engagement with China.
- New International Development Policy (to be published shortly)
Plans to advance Scotland's place in the world as a responsible nation by building mutually beneficial links with other countries. Scotland is a responsible nation and this shows in our approach towards International Development. We are allocating more money for the International Development Fund which supports the delivery of the new policy - increasing the fund to £9 million within the lifetime of this Parliament - to allow targeted support for people in developing countries.
The Refreshed China Plan and the New International Development Policy will be published shortly.