Scottish Government

This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Business in Parliament Conference

23/04/2004

Scotland needs both a strong Parliament and a strong business sector for our economy to grow said the First Minister, Jack McConnell, today.

Speaking to an audience of MSPs and members of the business community at the Business in Parliament Conference in Edinburgh, Mr McConnell said:

"Scotland may be a relatively small country, but there are times when we can use that to our advantage.

"Being small means that we can bring our business leaders and politicians together to focus on enterprise and growth - in ways that just couldn't be managed in other countries.

"But being small does not mean we think small. On the contrary now is the time to think big.

"Economic growth must be our main priority, as devolved government, and as a Parliament.

"The powers of devolution have given us a fantastic chance to give Scotland a strong competitive edge internationally using our skills, research and ability to innovate - and I'm determined that we make the most of Scotland's potential.

"Scotland's future economic performance will depend on us having the right components in place to perform on the international stage - the infrastructure; the skills and learning; the enterprising culture; and the people.

"It will depend on us building on the strengths that we already have in our infrastructure and our skills and learning - and in developing new ways to attract fresh talent and to promote a more enterprising culture.

"And it will depend on us forging a whole new relationship between our politicians and our business leaders."

Addressing the Conference, the Deputy First Minister, Jim Wallace, said:

"Today is an important and, in many ways, unique event - bringing Scotland's business sector and politicians together to discuss growing the economy. Scotland's business and Scotland's government want the same things - a strong vibrant economy in a confident, modern and dynamic Scotland.

"In my role as Deputy First Minister and Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, one of my priorities is to constantly seek out opportunities to meet - and listen to - the views of business. Together with Lewis Macdonald, we have visited businesses of every conceivable size, in every corner of Scotland and in every major sector. These contacts are vital, and will continue. They allow me, and my Ministerial colleagues, to hear first hand the opportunities and challenges facing businesses in Scotland.

"Today is certainly not an end in itself but rather part of this ongoing process. We want to develop dialogue with business, to build a shared understanding of the issues that are affecting business - and to work together to resolve these issues and ultimately grow Scotland's economy."