This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Minister comments on export estimates
07/07/2004
Scotland's manufacturing export performance over the year to 2004 Q1 largely reflects the difficult international trading conditions during the period, but the country is well placed to move forward when demand strengthens.
That was the message today from Deputy Enterprise Minister Lewis Macdonald as he commented on the Scottish Manufactured Exports 2004 (Quarter 1) figures published by the Executive.
He said:
"Although these figures over the year confirm the widely-acknowledged difficulties faced by all manufacturing, and especially exporters, I am encouraged by the increase over the most recent quarter. The majority of business surveys are now reporting a strengthening of Scotland's economic performance, and the evidence also suggests that prospects for exporters are positive.
"Manufacturing has faced difficult trading conditions over recent times. A combination of global restructuring and subdued growth in some of Scotland's primary export markets has meant that the sector has suffered a sustained period of falling demand.
"However, we are pleased with the latest quarterly numbers which indicate that the situation is improving. These figures follow GDP data for 2003 Q4, which showed growth in the manufacturing sector over the previous two quarters. The data also support recent manufacturing survey evidence which indicate that the sector is recovering.
"Scotland's economic well being is inextricably linked to global economic circumstances. Our job is to ensure that we have the conditions to maximise sustainable economic growth in the medium and long term. The Scottish Executive has a well established and comprehensive strategy to deliver this - A Framework for Economic Development in Scotland. This strategy, allied to the low inflation and low interest rates that Scotland continues to benefit from, mean that Scotland is well placed to move forward."
The Statistics Publication Notice Scottish Manufactured Exports 2004 Quarter 1 was issued today by the Scottish Executive. Scottish manufactured export sales grew by 2.0 per cent in real terms in 2004 Q1 but decreased by 11.6 per cent over the year to 2004 Q1.