Ivan McKee MSP, Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation was Inverclyde Chamber’s guest speaker at its recent breakfast roundtable event at the Beacon Arts Centre on Wednesday 26 February 2020.
An intimate event, Ivan McKee gave his opening address to the room and outlined his portfolio of Trade, Investment and Innovation providing a focus on engagement, trade missions and attracting investors to Scotland.
Ivan continued to describe his work with overseas investors to attract them to Scotland and to influence export plans for the future for local businesses to grow.
Reflecting on the visit, Mr McKee said: “I welcomed this chance to speak to Inverclyde businesses about their experiences and ambitions to trade internationally. We discussed a number of key challenges and potential solutions.
“There was also an opportunity to talk about how we can all work together to help deliver the ambitious targets in our export growth plan – for exports as a percentage of Scotland’s GDP to reach 25% by 2029. I would like to thank everyone for taking part.”
Andrew Bowman, Junior Vice-President of Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce, facilitated a productive discussion between Mr McKee and multiple Inverclyde-based businesses with Government investment into transport, infrastructure, exporting and importing, skills and the Glasgow City Deal, plus the future economic development of Inverclyde.
Andrew said: “On behalf of the attendees and Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce, I’d like to thank Ivan for taking the time to visit with the Inverclyde business community and listen to the local views on where we can improve as an area and need support.
“This was a very positive and engaging event, which further helps the Minister to better understand the local market and opportunities for the Scottish Government to support growth within Inverclyde, and how that further supports the national ambition.
“Inverclyde has some great opportunities as well as challenges, and it is important that Inverclyde Chamber continues to highlight and lobby these at a national level to further enable our development.”
Mr McKee closed this productive and insightful discussion by presenting the call to action that the Scottish Government is committed to working with businesses to build a more prosperous country.
Thank you to all of the businesses that joined the event including White House Products, PG Paper Company, Drac Logistics, Diodes, Ardgowan Distillery, West College Scotland and SDI.
