A range of measures to transform how Scotland attracts and
supports capital investment into the country have been unveiled.
Deputy First Minister will take on a
cross-government leadership role as the Scottish Government's
‘Investment Champion' to deliver a national pipeline of strategic
investment opportunities and a seamless, co-ordinated approach to
building relationships with investors and developers.
Practical steps being delivered include an Investment Unit to
identify and tackle barriers to investment; the creation of a
single portal for investment inquiries and another detailing
investment opportunities; and a new Cabinet sub-committee to
co-ordinate activity.
The Scottish Government will also explore new financing models
including how public sector guarantees could be used, a potential
Scottish Bond, and public-private partnerships.
Addressing the Investment Association Conference in Edinburgh Ms
Forbes said:
“Increasing the level of private investment into Scotland's
economy is essential to our ambitions – for growth, for jobs, for
reaching net-zero, and for improving our public services. Without
investment and the growth it can catalyse, we can achieve none of
those goals.
“I will be working to tackle barriers and blockers; and to ensure
that the system as a whole works cohesively, effectively, and
quickly, to support investors and to deal with issues as and when
they arise.
“Scotland has the talent, skills and resources in abundance to be
a major player in the energy transition and secure a prosperous
and sustainable future. We need to work better, smarter, and
quicker to ensure that we can create an investor-friendly
environment and seize the many opportunities which lie ahead. ”
Background
The Deputy First Minister's
speech.
Existing Scottish Government initiatives to support investment
include:
- The Green Industrial
Strategy, which sets out the Scottish Government's priorities
for the wind economy; carbon capture; hydrogen; green financial
services; and clean energy-intensive industries.
- The Offshore Wind Investment Programme, which allocates up to
£500 million over five years to stimulate private investment in
port infrastructure and other opportunities to anchor our supply
chain in Scotland.
- Hosting a global offshore wind investment forum in Edinburgh
in 2025.
