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Scotland's economic performance
05/09/2008
The global advances of Scottish based companies like Aberdeen Asset Management are helping drive Scotland's economic resilience, First Minister Alex Salmond said today.
Speaking at the financial company's conference in Aberdeen, Mr Salmond said the Government was committed to supporting and working with business, social enterprises and key sectors like the financial services industry to achieve the shared aim of increased sustainable economic growth.
First Minister Alex Salmond said:
"Like so many of Scotland's international firms, Aberdeen Asset Management is key to the Scottish economy's resilience to the current global economic pressures.
"Scotland is not immune to the slowdown, however, our labour market continues to outperform the rest of the UK, high street spending remains robust and recent export figures have demonstrated that our companies remain globally competitive.
"But this Government won't simply sit back and wait for conditions to improve. The legislative programme I set out to Parliament on Wednesday included 15 Bills which will benefit individuals, families and society as a whole by encouraging economic growth.
"And as we've seen again just this week, there's growing support for an increase in the powers and responsibilities of the Scottish Parliament.
"The more economic and financial responsibilities we have, the better Scotland can do. It is essential that we have the ability to grow the economy through greater fiscal autonomy, not just assigned revenues.
"The Scottish Government is committed to supporting and working with business, social enterprises and key sectors like the financial services industry to achieve our aim of increased sustainable economic growth. The financial services sector has our full support - the industry is a crucial strength in our economy.
"I know that Aberdeen Asset Management, and the many delegates here today, will be involved in the wider drive to build on the excellence of this sector and ensure its sustainable economic future."