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European Union offers opportunities for business and growth

Scottish Companies are thriving in the European Union, Europe Minister Humza Yousaf said today.

Following meetings and speaking engagements at the Milan Expo yesterday, Mr Yousaf visited the Milan showroom of Holland & Sherry, a Peebles-based luxury textile company.

He heard about the company’s plans for expansion, the support they have received through Scottish Enterprise, and discussed the barriers and opportunities for Scottish firms exporting their goods.

Securing more jobs, tackling inequality and creating wealth are at the heart the Scottish Government’s Action Plan for EU Engagement, refreshed earlier this year. Continued EU membership is central to the strategy, and the Action Plan commits the Scottish Government to promoting the benefits of EU membership while encouraging EU reform within the existing EU Treaty Framework.

Mr Yousaf said:

“Jobs, investment and a huge market for exports are just a few of the reasons Scotland is firmly committed to working within a thriving EU.

“As a member of the EU, Scotland is part of the world’s largest economy and people are free to trade, study and work across the European Union. Around 20 million businesses operate in the EU single market, and the EU is a vital export market for Scotland worth a massive £12.9 billion each year.

“The EU provides the market for 46 per cent of Scotland’s international exports, and more than 300,000 jobs in Scotland are estimated to be associated with trade with member states.

“The Single Market helps companies like Holland & Sherry and supports trade and investment between Scotland, Italy and the rest of the EU.

“But the European Union is not just about the benefits of the Single Market. The freedom to travel, study and work across Europe has brought major benefits to Scotland.

“That is why the Scottish Government sees the European Union as a positive force in Scotland and in the UK as a whole. Throughout the coming months and years, in the run up to the referendum on membership of the European Union, we will make a strong and positive case for Europe.”

Lindsay Taylor, sales director of Holland & Sherry, said:

“The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise's support have been highly valued in terms of supporting our international activity. We look forward to a continued partnership and thank Mr Yousaf for his interest and visit to our Milan showroom.”

Notes To Editors

More information about the EU Action Plan is available here: http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0047/00473833.pdf http://www.gov.scot/Topics/International/Europe