Mr Fraser says the Scottish government will have substantial powers over tax now and must avoid putting tax too high.

This would risk driving away the very entrepreneurs we need to attract he says.

He calls for changes to be made to the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), which has replaced stamp duty on property sales in Scotland. 

He insist charges have been set too high, causing a slowdown in the housing market at the upper ends, and a decline in tax revenues.

Mr Fraser says GDP growth lower, unemployment is higher and business confidence is low. 

Image source, PA

The Tory MSP asks, somewhat sarcastically, what event in 2014 could have affected business confidence.

Here we take a look at the Scottish Conservative's plans for the economy...

• to increase the number of apprenticeships to 10,000
• to create a network of 10 new Skills Academies
• reverse the cuts to Further Education colleges

Mr Fraser says economically we are absolutely on a knife edge in terms of another recession, not his words, but he is quoting Liz Cameron Chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Here's the amendment from Scottish Conservative Finance Spokesperson Murdo Fraser., external

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser gets to his feet to speak for his party in this economy debate.

The economy secretary points to the publication of a manufacturing plan in February., external

Mr Brown says the superfast digital strategy will have achieved 95% coverage by the end of 2017, with 100% hoped for in 2021.

He stress the importance of fair work places and the living wage. 

The minister points to over 500 living wage companies in Scotland.

Mr Brown says there will be a new labour market strategy published shortly. 

Image source, Getty Images

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon outlined her plans for the economy in her statement last week: 

• increasing the number of apprenticeships from 25,000 to 30,000 per year by 2020
• professional baccalaureate, enabling young people to leave school with a broader range of skills for the workplace
• introduce a Jobs Grant of £100 (£250 if you have children) for young people aged 16-24 who have been out of work for six months and are starting a job for more than 16 hours a week
• reduce youth unemployment by 40% by 2021

• maintain the number of full time equivalent college places and continue to focus on the skills and training that help young people into work
• invest £120 million in new innovation centres to bring businesses and academics together to develop new ideas and products in some of the key growth sectors of the future  

Mr Brown says a focus on innovation is vital and its importance can't be overstated and the government will continue to invest in innovation centres and creating an innovation prize. 

Mr Brown says the number of registered businesses within Scotland is at an all time high.

In 2015 it was a record year for inward investments according to Ernst and Young data, he says.

"We have a Scottish powerhouse in the amount of inward investment we have been able to attract."

Mr Brown says at the heart of the government's approach will be creating a competitive and supportive business environment.

The economy secretary says improving productivity is fundamental to improving the economy.

Mr Brown points to the problems in the oil and gas sector, saying the North East remains a priority for the government.

The economy secretary says that lower energy costs have been a benefit.

He says Scotland's economy still grew by nearly 2% last year and employment rates reached record levels. 

Economy Secretary Keith Brown gets the debate underway saying the Scottish economy has been "resilient" in the face of challenges.

Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser raises a point of order bemoaning the lack of business bulletins with the motion and amendments in the chamber.

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh says he will take that issue on board. 

• a clear and unrelenting focus on creating a competitive and supportive business environment.
• aim to raise productivity and prosperity through the traditional drivers of investment in infrastructure, skills and innovation
• focus on stimulating growth, protecting and creating jobs and promoting Scotland as a great place to do business

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Here's the motion from Economy Secretary Keith Brown from the Scottish Parliament website, external.

The Scottish government's first dedicated economy secretary will shortly set out his plans to make the country more productive.

Keith Brown was appointed to the new role by Nicola Sturgeon in a Cabinet reshuffle after the election.

He said innovation and investment, together with tackling inequality, could help to boost the economy.

Image source, Scottish government

Mr Brown also pledged a "clear and unrelenting focus" on creating a competitive environment for business.

Mr Brown will use the debate to stress that "despite uncertain global conditions, and falling oil prices, our economy has continued to grow over the last year".

• Downturn in Scots economy 'intensifying'
• Scotland's economy grows by 0.2%
• Scots deficit up as oil revenue falls

Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles asks how confident is the minister of avoiding the EU fines.

Mr Ewing replies that he is absolutely confident that everything possible is being done to meet the 30 June deadline.