Government says it is taking advantage of opportunities for export and investment as Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, visits the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Deputy First Minister is undertaking four days of engagements in UAE marking Scotland Week UAE, meeting senior government ministers and major investors to open doors for Scottish businesses. Businesses in the clean energy and agri-tech, food and drink, and technology sectors are part of the trade and investment mission.
The visit aims to grow inward investment and follows the launch of the Invest Scotland portal which showcases significant capital investment opportunities to global investors.
Ms Forbes said: “Scotland Week UAE is about creating real opportunities for Scottish businesses to grow and trade internationally, while attracting investment that will create jobs and prosperity at home.
“In the face of global economic uncertainty and barriers to trade, including recent USA tariff threats and Scotland’s removal from the European Single Market, we are looking to strengthen relationships with new and emerging markets.
“The successful Investopia Global investment event in Edinburgh in December built momentum for deeper collaboration with UAE partners and Scotland Week UAE will show Scotland is open for business.
“We share strong ambitions with the UAE in clean energy, science and technology and innovation. Scotland exported £548 million in goods to the UAE in 2023 and there is huge potential for partnership in sectors such as critical tech, food and drink and research.”
