Liberal Democrat Enterprise spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP has accused the Scottish Government of dithering over vital decisions about raising Scotland’s profile abroad.

Media reports suggest that key Scottish Development International (SDI) vacancies have yet to be filled. Mr McArthur has lodged Parliamentary Questions to discover what action the Scottish Government has taken to help SDI raise Scotland’s profile abroad.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

“SNP Ministers have been busy patting themselves on the back for their efforts in promoting Scotland abroad. They also talk, quite rightly, about the need to safeguard and improve Scotland's international competitiveness. But it is their Government that is dithering over key appointments to the agency responsible for promoting Scotland's economic interests abroad. 

“Scottish Development International has delivered good results for Scotland's economy in recent years. Under the previous Executive, the network was expanded, including in the key Chinese market.  I am concerned that these solid foundations are being undermined by the current Government’s indecision. I have today lodged questions in the Scottish Parliament to find out what on earth Ministers have been doing.

“Instead of pointless trips to Brussels to promote the national conversation to MEPs who are in Strasbourg and for which he has no democratic mandate, the First Minister would do better to focus on ensuring SDI is fit for purpose to meet the challenge of promoting Scotland's economic interests overseas.”