Report calls for new Scottish export brand to boost trade
An SNP-linked economic think tank has called for the creation of a new Scottish export brand to boost trade and skills.
N-56 made the suggestion as part of a review of economic strategy in the country which also highlighted infrastructure improvements at airports and freight terminals.
The suggestions come at a time of growing realisation throughout the UK of the need to rebalance the economy from services to industry, with Scotland currently lagging behind rivals such as Denmark, Ireland and Singapore in terms of trade volumes.
Report author Graeme Blackett of economic consultancy BiGGAR Economics, said: "A renewed focus on increasing exports will allow Scotland to close the trade gap with other wealthy economies, boosting productivity and achieving their economic growth rates.
"The lesson from prominent trading economies shows that initiatives such as the development of a realistic and authentic national brand can play an important role."