CBI: "Export Abroad And Stay In The EU"

The new CBI boss is urging Scotland to invest in foreign markets

Scotland should build on its successes by exporting globally and attracting foreign investment, that's according to the CBI President, Paul Dreschler.

He'll make his first speech in Scotland tonight since taking up the position, speaking to 570 business leaders, as well as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and entrepreneur Tom Hunter.

His message will be that the two key ingredients for the long term health and success of the economy here are education and skills.

Mr Dreschler's also expected to highlight the importance of the UK remaining in a reformed EU to continue Scottish growth.

He said: "Of course – the EU is far from perfect. And we’re not blind to the downsides. The EU needs to do more of what it’s good at and less of what it’s bad at. We believe that creating jobs should be at the very heart of what Europe is all about.

"Expanding the single market in services and signing trade deals should be top of the EU’s ‘to do’ list – and could mean more sales for firms and more jobs for people here in Scotland. Scottish firms are already reaping the benefits of deals negotiated for all EU Member States on the world stage – like the EU’s Free Trade Agreement with Colombia in 2013 – where Scottish whisky exporters think there’s real potential to grow their current 10% market share."

More from Local News