To ask the Scottish Executive, in light of its international framework, whether the Scottish Government will endeavour to ensure that the stated aim for its international activities of "bringing a sharp economic growth focus to the promotion of Scotland abroad" will not take precedence over its aim of "managing Scotland’s reputation as…an independent-minded and responsible nation".

Promoting Scotland as a place to live, learn and invest complements Scotland’s role as a responsible nation. The Scottish Government will continue to ensure that, through the work of Scottish Development International and the building of strong business and education aspects to major overseas ministerial visits, a strong economic dimension is a key part of its overseas international activities. Visits on these terms to North America, China, Norway and Russia have already been undertaken. During that same period, the Scottish Government has announced increased funds for the Scottish Government’s International Development Policy published in May 2008, which sets out how Scotland will play its part in alleviating global poverty.