Economy committee to examine role of Scottish Development International post-Brexit

MSPs will examine the role of Scottish Development International in supporting business access to foreign markets, the economy committee has announced.

The inquiry, held by the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee, will examine the barriers stopping firms from reaching foreign markets in the wake of Brexit.

SDI is the international trade and investment body for Scotland, with over 30 offices in 23 countries around the world.

The inquiry will also take evidence on the relationship between SDI and UK Trade and Investment, and how easily businesses find engaging with the body.

Committee deputy convener Willie Coffey MSP said: “International trade and investment are vital to improving Scotland’s economic competitiveness.

“More and more businesses are wanting to expand internationally, and so the committee wants to learn more on what support is needed to improve Scotland’s worldwide performance as an exporting nation.

“We want to hear from those in business, big and small who have a stake in the future of international trade in a post-Brexit era and want to have the opportunity to shape that discussion.”

The committee will have evidence in public before and after the summer recess, with the inquiry likely to conclude in autumn 2020.

The closing date for written evidence is Friday 17 April 2020.