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Foreword
I am pleased to introduce the Scottish Government's response to the First Annual Report of the Scottish Council of Economic Advisers.
In normal economic conditions, the Report would be an important tool for the Scottish Government. In these challenging economic times, it is all the more valuable.
As Scotland's government our responsibility is to prioritise action that, in the short term, mitigates the impact of the downturn while shaping policy that, in the longer term, ensures Scotland not only recovers, but emerges stronger and in a more competitive position in the global marketplace. Our focus remains clear - protecting jobs and businesses today and ensuring greater prosperity for families and communities across Scotland in the future. The Council's analysis and advice is central to our delivery of this ambition.
Consequently, the Scottish Government has considered all recommendations and considerations set out in the Report covering:
- Improving the Productivity of the Scottish Economy;
- Achieving Scotland's 2011 Growth Target;
- Achieving Scotland's 2011 Emissions Target;
- Addressing Economic Inactivity in Scotland;
- Planning;
- Education and Skills;
- Infrastructure; and
- Scottish Economic Statistics.
We agree with the Council's analysis of the current severe economic pressures and in response we have set out some of the measures we are taking as part of the Scottish Government's economic recovery programme.
We also respond to each of the specific recommendations and considerations made by the Council. In many cases action is already being taken and in others action plans are being drawn up. We are constantly striving to do more and explore new options and will continue to report on the progress that has been made in these areas at future Council meetings.
I would like to thank the Council for the tremendous amount of work it has undertaken over the last year. The commitment of individual members has helped raise the quality of debate, level of analysis and exchange of views on how best to achieve an increase in sustainable economic growth in Scotland.
It is clear from this response how seriously the Scottish Government has taken the recommendations and considerations presented in the Council's First Annual Report. I have no doubt that this and future Annual Reports from the Council will be instrumental in helping us deliver the targets as set out in the Government Economic Strategy and, ultimately, the Purpose of this Government - a more successful Scotland, with opportunities for all to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.
The Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP MP
The First Minister of Scotland
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