Chamber
Plenary, 18 Dec 2008
18 Dec 2008 · S3 · Plenary
Item of business
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Institute of Asian Professionals (Meetings)
Finance and Sustainable Growth
I know that the cabinet secretary values the significant contribution of the Asian business sector. As he is aware, Asian businesses have their own specific needs, which are affected by the current economic downturn. What can be done to use existing business support to assist the Asian business sector?
In the same item of business
3. Bashir Ahmad (Glasgow) (SNP):
SNP
To ask the Scottish Government when it last met representatives from the Institute of Asian Professionals to discuss the current economic climate. (S3O-5324)
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth (John Swinney):
SNP
Scottish Government officials met representatives of the Institute of Asian Professionals on 9 December to take forward a joint event scheduled for 9 March 2...
Bashir Ahmad:
SNP
I know that the cabinet secretary values the significant contribution of the Asian business sector. As he is aware, Asian businesses have their own specific ...
John Swinney:
SNP
I assure Mr Ahmad that the Government is determined to make available to all representatives of the business community the type of advice that will assist bu...
Andy Kerr (East Kilbride) (Lab):
Lab
The Asian business community needs support, as does everyone else. I have been interested to hear about Asian networks throughout the world, which allow acce...
John Swinney:
SNP
The Government is interested in co-operating with sovereign wealth funds. We have had discussions in that respect and we will continue to have discussions to...
Cathie Craigie (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (Lab):
Lab
The current economic climate in Scotland is having a particularly bad effect on the construction industry. The Scottish National Party Government could assis...
The Presiding Officer (Alex Fergusson):
NPA
A question, please.
Cathie Craigie:
Lab
I am getting there. I am advised by a long-established contractor—
The Presiding Officer:
NPA
Quickly, please—a question.
Cathie Craigie:
Lab
What is the Scottish Government doing to stimulate the number of contracts that are being issued by housing associations? I am advised by a local contractor ...
John Swinney:
SNP
The Government has taken action to accelerate £100 million of investment in the affordable housing sector in this financial year and the next one. We did tha...