Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon unveiled plans for the devolved government in Edinburgh to set up a new board of trade, a new trade envoy scheme as well as a new Scottish enterprise agency. Likewise she announced the establishment of a new representative office in Berlin to promote trade links with Scotland. Germany being the EU’s largest economy. In addition Scotland is represented in Brussels, London and Dublin within Europe
In fact, the international trading network for Scottish businesses will see a doubling of its European staffing capacity as confirmed by The Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon.
Scottish Development International (SDI) already operates over 40 offices in 20 countries across the world and recently expanded to Dublin.
Albeit Scotland cannot expand representation on an independent basis, there are a number of devolved areas where Scotland can develop policies for trade, international development and diplomacy. For instance, the previous Scottish Executive launched a development project with Malawi in Africa, which has continued under the Scottish Government control.
The Scottish Executive has also taken positions on a number of diplomatic issues including supporting the recognition of a Palestinian state and engaging in Syrian peace training fora at the United Nations.
Scotland is also represented on the British and Irish Parliamentary Authority and the British and Irish councils. Scotland takes part at deliberations in Brussels surrounding European legislation yet remains excluded from direct participation in formal discussions at the European Union and United Nations.
For further information:
Scottish Development International: https://www.sdi.co.uk
Scotland in Europe (Brussels): https://www.scotlandeuropa.com
Scottish Executive Government: http://www.gov.scot/#slide/1
