Listen
Minister comments on manufactured exports
02/07/2008
Exports grew strongly in the first quarter of 2008, Scottish Government figures released today show.
The Scottish Index of Manufactured Exports for Quarter One, 2008, show:
- Export sales increased by 2.3 per cent in real terms in the first quarter of 2008 and grew by 3.2 per cent over the year to the end of March 2008
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said the figures are a welcome sign at a time of global economic uncertainty.
He said:
"These latest statistics show that Scottish manufactured exports grew strongly in the first quarter of 2008 and over the year.
"This performance is even more encouraging because it demonstrates that the Scottish economy is continuing to show resilience at a time of global uncertainty.
"Undoubtedly, the favourable exchange rate conditions with key trading countries such as those in the Euro Area is an important factor in this strong performance.
"That underlines the need to put aside any thoughts of complacency and continue our drive to make Scotland a more competitive place to do business.
"Our economic performance has been sluggish at best for decades. This Government has determined not to let this underperformance hold back this country and its people any longer.
"That's why we have put increased sustainable economic growth at the heart of our purpose as a government. And it is why we are reducing and removing business rates for 150,000 small businesses, providing record support to an enterprising third sector, funding improvements in Scotland's connectivity and have refocused and reinvigorated our enterprise networks."