The Scottish Government’s sector-specific export plans target action on areas of strength, such as renewable energy, technology, life sciences and hydrogen, and the fastest growing markets.

Speaking at the Made in Scotland Sold to the World exporter roadshow in Edinburgh, Mr Lochhead said this approach was driving progress towards the target of growing exports to match a quarter of Scotland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Examples include:

• more than £700 million in forecast international sales for Scotland’s renewables sector through the work of Scottish Development International (SDI)
• £23.5 million in projected sales for Scottish brands which took part in a showcase event in France last November
• the publication of the Renewables Exports Action Plan, including a new online tool to guide companies through their export journey

Mr Lochhead said: “Scotland has so much to offer, with produce and brands already recognised across the globe. But we can build on that while seizing the opportunities of the green energy revolution.

“By working with companies to help them fulfil their potential through export plans in the technology, life sciences, renewables and hydrogen sectors we have seen some impressive results.

“For example, of the £2.15 billion in forecast international sales over the next three years, reported by our partner agency SDI, £774m comes from the energy transition sector. This demonstrates how our Renewables Export Action Plan – which we’ve published today – can help to focus efforts in the right direction.

“We have also seen a showcase event in Paris last St Andrew’s Day, which brought together Scottish and French businesses, resulting in projected sales over the next three years of £23.5m for Scottish foods and drinks brands and luxury lifestyle and fashion labels.

“Selling Scotland to the world is an effective way of growing our economy, leading to more jobs and to improved public services which bring prosperity across the country.”