Tourism and Trade Minister will meet business leaders
during a visit to France aimed at unlocking new trade and
investment opportunities.
France is a Priority 1 market in Scotland’s export growth plan, A
Trading Nation, and was the fifth largest export destination in
2022, worth over £2.6 billion. According to the EY 2023 UK and
Scotland Attractiveness Survey, France was among the top 5
leading countries of origin of inward investment projects into
Scotland in 2022.
The two-day visit will include meetings with the European Space
Agency to discuss opportunities for the space sector, a number of
renewable energy firms to hear about their work in tackling
climate change as well as meeting Johnstons of Elgin, a Scottish
textile company, to discuss their experience of entering the
French market and plans for future growth.
Mr Lochhead said:
“Scotland and France have a long and close relationship that
brings significant benefits to both of our countries.
“As part of my visit, I will look to further strengthen our ties,
build relationships with new and existing investors, as well as
promoting Scotland’s profile internationally and raising
awareness of the high quality businesses in Scotland.
“Despite the economic challenges in recent years, which includes
Brexit and the pandemic, Scotland continues to perform very well
in attracting foreign direct investment.
“According to the latest EY Attractiveness Survey, inward
investment projects in Scotland grew by 3.3% in 2022, compared to
1.4% growth across Europe and a 6.4% fall across the UK.”
BACKGROUND
Mr Lochhead will be in Paris from 5-7 July.
France is estimated to be the second largest country in the EU,
with a population of 67 million. It is a highly strategic market
for Scotland with trade opportunities across food & drink,
energy, life sciences and technology. France is also an important
inward investment partner for Scotland.
Scotland’s ambition to become a future exporter of green hydrogen
to Europe could result in £25 billion annual gross contribution
to gross value added (GVA) with over 300,000 jobs protected or
created by 2045.
The Scottish Government’s Innovation & Investment Hub in
Paris supports businesses with trade missions, investment
projects that create jobs in Scotland, work with research,
education and cultural institutions and to find opportunities to
develop new products and services in France. Inward Investment
Team at SDI, also based in Paris, focusses on building and
maintaining relationships with investors.
The recent EY’s independent Annual
Attractiveness Survey highlighted Scotland as the most
attractive FDI location outside of London, a position held for
the last eight years.
For more information please see: A Trading Nation, Inward Investment Plan and
Vision for Trade.
