European and External Relations Committee, 27 Nov 2007

Meeting date: Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Official Report 245KB pdf

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Scottish Government's International Strategy

Item 3 is consideration of a paper by the clerk on the Scottish Government's international strategy. Members will recall that, when the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture gave evidence on the Scottish Government's external affairs policies on 30 October, she agreed to return to the committee when the new international strategy is agreed in the new year. The paper proposes that, in advance of that, the committee should take evidence from stakeholders who are involved in the existing strategy to hear their views on the aims, outcomes and methods of delivering and measuring the success of the new strategy. It is hoped that the evidence will inform the committee ahead of the session with the minister. I invite comments on the paper.

I have a long-standing interest in the bilateral co-operation agreements, but I have completely lost track of where we are at on some of them—I am sure that I am not the only one. It would be helpful if we could get a short paper outlining the present co-operation agreements that the Executive has entered into. I notice that Catalonia, Bavaria, Tuscany and North Rhone Westphalia are mentioned in the paper by the clerk. At one point there was co-operation with Poland and the Czech Republic; I do not know whether that took the form of one-off initiatives or whether there are on-going actions. There were exchanges and secondments of staff with other regions in Europe. It would be helpful to get an update, so that we can question people appropriately.

The paper suggests that we should have an evidence session with stakeholders on 22 January. I am not sure whether that will present an opportunity to undertake questioning on co-operation agreements. I have thought for a long time that we should have clear criteria for co-operation agreements, but in eight years we have never been able to formalise such criteria. I raised that issue at the away day, which is probably part of the reason why the clerks have included it in the paper. I would like the schedule that is set out in paragraph 9 of the paper to accommodate an analysis of that.

The Scottish Government is looking at that as part of its strategy, but you are asking for basic information about the status quo.

Yes.

I imagine that that could be provided and that members could take account of it before they ask questions.

Paragraph 10 of the paper suggests that we might want to talk to our representative in Beijing. That is key because, given the market opportunities in China, our relationship with China is going to be a key part of our international strategy. I am happy to go.

They might not be happy to see you.

You are going to all the sun-kissed bits of the Mediterranean.

You have already been, Ted.

Does anybody have any other relevant comments?

I note the emphasis on the word "relevant".

Are members happy with the approach that is set out in the paper?

Members indicated agreement.

Meeting closed at 12:08.