Scotland is Open for Business

The SNP Scottish Government will use every available tool to maximise opportunities for economic growth and make clear that Scotland is open for business. 
 
First Minister John Swinney has made growing the economy one of his government’s four priorities and this week’s Programme for Government outlined how this will be achieved in the coming year.
 
To meet this priority, the Scottish Government will publish a Green Industrial Strategy to set out how Scotland’s economy will benefit from the transition to net zero and establish Scotland’s first Planning Hub to build capacity and resilience.
 
The SNP will also: invest up to £500m in offshore wind; connect 20,000 businesses to faster internet; provide universities with £315m for innovation; pledge £16m for expanded childcare to support more parents back to work; commit £1.9bn to regional economic development; introduce two new freeports and investment zones; and progress key transport projects such as dualling the A9 and A96, and improve rail and ferry fleets.
 
The SNP will also be campaigning for Labour at Westminster to support economic development in Scotland by advocating for the UK government to introduce a distinct Scottish Rural Visa pilot and re-join key EU schemes such as Erasmus+ and Creative Europe. 
 
Commenting, SNP MSP Michelle Thomson said:
 
“In the Programme for Government, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has outlined exactly how the SNP Government will build prosperity through maximising economic growth. 
 
“The outcomes of economic growth will help deliver the public funding that we can invest in public services like the NHS and schools and ultimately create a fairer society.
 
“From supporting small businesses in our local communities to investing in major energy and infrastructure projects – this Programme for Government delivers for every part of Scotland’s economy. 
 
“In the face of Labour cuts at Westminster, the Scottish Government must work harder and smarter to deliver for Scotland using the limited resources available.
 
“The SNP’s Programme for Government signals to businesses across Scotland that the SNP is on their side and will work tirelessly to deliver an economy that works for them.”