Date Created: 18 April 2012
The newly published Index of Manufactured Exports for 2011 shows that the volume of manufactured exports grew by 4.8 per cent compared to 2010.
Anne MacColl, chief executive of Scottish Development International, said: “We know that accessing new, overseas markets is a fundamental way for home-grown companies to realise their ambitious growth plans.
"As set out in our new business plan, by providing an integrated package of support including account management and access to our Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS), Scottish Development International is committed to helping the companies we work with increase their export sales by between £1.2 billion and £1.7 billion by 2015.
"In doing so, we can help ensure long-term sustainable growth for the Scottish economy."
Strong Scottish sectors provide growth
The figures show that the largest contributions to annual growth came from the food and drink sector (+8.4 percent) and the chemicals and refined petroleum products sectors (+8.0 percent).
Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth John Swinney said: "The globalised economy means that a strong export performance is essential if Scotland is to move on to a more sustainable, balanced path of growth and strengthen our economic success.
"These figures, which show an annual rise in manufactured exports, are welcome - especially those increases in the food and drink sector."
The Scottish Government have set an ambitious target to increase Scottish exports by 50 percent by 2017 - and we're helping them to do it.
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