KATE Forbes is to take on a new role as Scotland’s “investment champion,” the Scottish Government has announced.
The Deputy First Minister will take on the role to deliver a pipeline of investment opportunities and to build relationships with investors and developers.
It comes as the Scottish Government announced a range of measures to transform how Scotland attracts and supports capital investment into the country.
The steps being taken include:
- The creation of an ‘investment unit’ to identify and tackle barriers to investment
- A new single portal for investment inquiries and detailing investment opportunities
- A newly-created Cabinet sub-committee to co-ordinate activity
The Scottish Government will also explore new financing models including how public sector guarantees could be used, a potential Scottish bond and public-private partnerships.
Addressing the Investment Association Conference in Edinburgh Forbes said: “Increasing the level of private investment into Scotland’s economy is essential to our ambitions – for growth, for jobs, for reaching net-zero, and for improving our public services.
"Without investment and the growth it can catalyse, we can achieve none of those goals.
“I will be working to tackle barriers and blockers; and to ensure that the system as a whole works cohesively, effectively, and quickly, to support investors and to deal with issues as and when they arise.
“Scotland has the talent, skills and resources in abundance to be a major player in the energy transition and secure a prosperous and sustainable future.
"We need to work better, smarter, and quicker to ensure that we can create an investor-friendly environment and seize the many opportunities which lie ahead. ”
