A joint ‘bilateral review report’ into enhanced cooperation and collaboration between Scotland and Ireland has earmarked construction and renewable energy as two of the most promising sectors in the economic relations between the two countries.
… over forty recommendations across five thematic areas…
… challenges of living in rural, coastal and island communities…
Scottish Construction Now writes:
Published yesterday by minister for foreign affairs, Simon Coveney, and cabinet secretary for external affairs, Michael Russell, the Ireland-Scotland Joint Bilateral Review Report sets out a series of joint actions to be taken in the areas of business and the economy; community and diaspora; culture; academic and research links; and rural, coastal and island communities as well as government and political relations.
The review states: “Responses to the review stressed the already positive nature of economic relations between Ireland and Scotland, and broadly indicated that there is potential for significant growth in this area. The shared industries that underpin both economies provide this potential. Construction, agricultural machinery, renewable energy, food and beverage, digital health, and financial services are the most promising sectors. Ireland-Scotland trade is a mix between multinational companies and SMEs.”
With over forty recommendations across five thematic areas, the report will guide Ireland-Scotland collaboration over the coming five years.
These include:
- regular high-level contact between Scottish and Irish Ministers and continued cooperation through the British-Irish Council, an institution of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement
- a new Ireland-Scotland Trade Taskforce, supported by the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh and the Scottish Government Office in Dublin, which will work with the public and private sectors to develop and support trade relations
- a conference this year to address the opportunities and challenges of living in rural, coastal and island communities, to be convened by both governments, working with the University of Highlands and Islands and Údarás na Gaeltachta
- a series of cultural exchanges and collaborations, including joint programming in support of the Colmcille 1500 celebrations, reflecting the international legacy of this pivotal figure in our shared cultural, legal and ecclesiastical history
- Shared Irish and Scottish diaspora and heritage events to take place in the US and Canada this year
Other recommendations envisage deeper cooperation….a new framework for cooperation on education….offshore renewable energy technologies….
