Scottish exports to Middle East top £1.5b

Dubai: Scottish exports have grown to £1.5 billion (Dh8.14 billion) in the Middle East, according to the most recent Global Connections Survey from Scottish Development International (SDI), the Scottish government’s investment and business development agency.

The UAE remains the largest market in the region, accounting for £605 million of Scottish exports, up 22 per cent from the prior year in 2012.

The GCC’s economic growth and modest inflation, combined with its broad-based commitment to helping companies to conduct business in the region, have contributed and resulted in increased figures of exports from Scotland to the Middle East. This was driven primarily by food and drink, energy, business and financial services, along with the metals, metal goods and mechanical engineering sectors.

“Trade figures clearly show that the Middle East has remained a key market for Scottish companies, with food and drink being a particular success story, to a growing demand on energy, education and financial services in this region, particularly the UAE doubling its import numbers compared to larger markets in the region,” Tom Marchbanks, SDI’s regional manager for the Middle East, said.