Scots business must look to global markets, says CBI Scotland chairman

Nosheena Mobarik said businesses north of the Border must boost their exports performance and find new foreign markets and partners to be a “real force for good” in an “interconnected world”.

This was particularly the case given that, on home turf, Scottish businesses faced challenging economic times, operating amid much uncertainty, she said.

“Let’s be open about our research into new markets and be brave enough to explore places which may not necessarily be the obvious choice as well as the ones that seem a surer bet,” Mobarik said.

“Let’s find appropriate partners  in overseas countries where profitable opportunities exist and let’s have the determination to achieve success.”

However, she added that worldwide business opportunities had to be pursued “responsibly and when greed and short-termism are kept firmly in check”.

She said it was important for Scottish corporates to reflect on “how we are part of a global community, taking the prosperity and the well-being of all of the world’s citizens into account when we enact policies and conduct business”.

She added: “All of us have a duty to assist in whichever way we can and, individually in our own businesses, get out there and sell to the world.”