STUC General Council meet the Scottish Executive International Department

Following discussion with the First Minister, it was proposed that the General Council meet with the Scottish Executive International Department to receive a presentation on their strategy and discuss areas of joint concern. The meeting took place on Monday 4 December and the following were in attendance.

Grahame Smith STUC General Secretary

Anne Douglas Prospect

Bruce Fraser Usdaw

John Park STUC Assistant Secretary

Ian Donaldson, Head of International Strategy and Co-ordination, began by giving a broad overview of the Scottish Executive’s international strategy and the priorities of “Fresh Talent” Scotland’s International image, Malawi and the decision to identify Germany, USA and China as key international markets.

Neil Watt, from the Scotland-Malawi Development Team gave a more detailed update of the Scottish Executive’s co-operation agreement with Malawi. He also explained that Funds were being provided to charities and Non Government Organisations (NGOs) to support the Scotland-Malawi Co-operation Agreement on areas such as civil society development, sustainable development, tourism and fair trade.

Currently there are 58 projects receiving £7.5m from a variety of sources to develop these priorities. Much of the activity is supported and co-ordinated through the Scotland Malawi partnership.

Neil also highlighted a stakeholder event, being organised by the fair trade working group, which will be held in the Dewar Centre, Perth between 10am – 4pm on Saturday 27th January in the support of the development of a national fair trade standard. It was agreed this would be highlighted to the General Council and affiliates

Nikki Brown, Head of Europe Division, provided an update on the Scottish Executive’s work with the EU and Member States while Steven Kerr, Policy Officer for North America, outlined the Scottish Executive’s US engagement strategy and in particular the work undertaken to improve Scotland’s international image

Following the presentations there was a more informal discussion around the potential areas for future engagement.

• It was agreed that building stronger links with trade unions in Malawi was an important step and that the STUC were well placed to support initiatives around issues such as health and safety and lifelong learning. It was noted that financial resources may be available to develop activity in this area.

• The Scottish Executive were keen that the STUC play a role in disseminating information to trade union members from the Disasters Emergency Committee in the event of any future events. It was felt this would not be a problem and the STUC would be happy to assist in the future.

• It was also discussed given the Executive’s identification of Germany, USA and China as key Scottish international markets that the General Council consider the STUC’s relationship with trade union centres in these countries with particular consideration being given to China.