Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes will today join 30 Scottish businesses showcasing their products at a St Andrew’s Day trade and investment event in Paris.

Representatives of the food and drink, textiles and fashion sectors will be at the British Embassy, co-hosted by Ms Forbes, with potential investors among more than 400 guests.

Figures show France imported more than £1.1 billion of food and drink and over £71 million of textiles from Scotland last year.

The St Andrew’s Day event comes days after the Scottish Government set out a range of new steps to assist investors.

The Deputy First Minister, who has a new cross-portfolio role as Investment Champion, will also meet French offshore wind supply-chain leaders to discuss opportunities in the sector.

Ms Forbes said: “Whether it’s our world-renowned food and drink sector or the opportunity to invest in our vast potential as a renewables powerhouse, Scotland is open for business.

“Our friendship with France goes back centuries and it is now a significant economic partner, as Scotland’s number one international export market in Europe.

“Increasing the level of private investment is essential to our ambitions for Scotland – for economic growth, tackling climate change, eradicating child poverty and improving public services.”

The St Andrew’s Day reception will be co-hosted by Dame Menna Rawlings, the UK Ambassador to France, and is organised by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International.

The firms exhibiting are

Araminta Campbell

Blackthorn Salt

Deans of Huntly

Innis & Gunn

J K Thomson

Lactalis – Orkney Cheddar

Label Rouge Salmon

Macduff Shellfish

Matugga

Millers of Speyside

Nc’Nean

RAER Alliance

Scotbeef

Secret Garden Distillery

St Andrew’s Farmhouse Cheese Company

The Drinks Bakery

The Lost Distillery Company

Alexander Manufacturing

Anta

Bute Fabrics

Eribe

Halley Stevenson

Harris Tweed Hebrides

Holland & Sherry

Lochcarron

MacNaughton’s

Robert Mackie

Walker Slater

Johnstons of Elgin

Lyle & Scott.