Question reference: S6W-05443
- Asked by: Alex Rowley, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 5 January 2022
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Current status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 1 February 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the reported comments from the Mayor of Tees Valley that investors are choosing regions of England over Scotland for industrial investments due to Scotland not having a freeport policy or freeport status.
Answer
The Scottish Government has always been consistent in wanting to deliver a green port model which has a strong focus on a just transition to net zero and fair work. We have been in active discussion with UK Ministers on a joint approach that will deliver these, as well as a full package of reserved and devolved incentives to Scottish ports.
It is often the case that investors consider a number of locations before making a final decision on where to invest. Scotland continues to have a great track record in attracting inward investment. The EY Annual Attractiveness Survey for 2021 identified that Scotland has been the top performing region or nation of the UK, outside of London, for 8 out of the last 10 years and for the sixth year running.