Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Dean Lockhart says business demonstrated their resilience and adaptability before the committee and Brexit is just the latest challenge for them to overcome.

Mr Lockhart also lists the export figures.

He says there are very low levels of exporting in Scotland.

The Tory MSP says the review of the enterprise agencies was welcome but he says his party is concerned that the enterprise budget has been cut by more than 40% over the last five years.

Brexit Minister Mike Russell says Scotland needs more from the UK.

Mr Russell says it is right that the committee draws attention to the negative impact on labour supply.

The Brexit minister says the UK government's approach has been "disgraceful" and it places more importance on "dog-whistle policies", than its people.

He says the Scottish government can always be relied upon to do all it can for the country's economy. 

Nicola Sturgeon has argued it would be "democratically justifiable" for the whole of the UK to remain in the European single market after Brexit. .

But the Scottish first minister also said it would be possible for Scotland to remain in the free trade bloc even if the rest of the UK left.

She was speaking as she unveiled proposals for Scotland's future relations with Europe after Brexit.

The prime minister has pledged to look "very seriously" at the proposals.

But the UK government has also warned that a special deal for Scotland is unrealistic.

• Look back at Nicola Sturgeon's statement to parliament
• What does the Scottish government's Brexit plan say?

In June's EU referendum, 62% of voters in Scotland backed remain, with 38% for leave.

Ms Sturgeon  set up a "standing council" of experts  on Europe in the immediate aftermath of the vote, saying she wanted to examine all options open to her government - including the possibility of a second independence referendum.

The Scottish government proposals have now been published in full in a paper called  Scotland's Place in Europe, external .

Brexit Minister Michael Russell says government will work tirelessly to ensure the economy is strong enough for the requirements of the people of Scotland.

Mr Russell says Brexit and leaving the single market presents a number of risks.

He says Scotland's Place in Europe outlined in great detail why access to the single market is important to the country.

He says the government shares the committee's concerns on trade. 

Image source, bbc

Mr Lindhurst concludes saying let the sparks fly.

Brexit Minister Mike Russell says it is unlikely Mr Lindhurst's speech will lead to a charge of fire raising. 

Mr Russell says the UK government on the other hand is guilty of culpable and reckless conduct in relation to Brexit.

He goes on to say the Scottish economy is strong.

Mr Lindhurst says clearly the economic landscape is shifting and the committee recommends the government reviews its economic policy.

The Economy Committee convener says there may also be merit in reviewing the Trade and Investment Strategy.

He says Scotland has an ageing population and this will have an affect on the Scottish economy unlike elsewhere in the UK.

Mr Lindhurst says engagement with the business community and stakeholders is very important and asks the cabinet secretary how he intends to do this.

This report "was a triumph of the collective will" rather than the won't, he says.

Image source, SDI

Mr Lindhurst says inward investment was the second strand of the inquiry.

He says Scotland has had its successes with Scotland the top at attracting inward investment outside of London.

The Economy Committee convener says the committee supports further development of Scottish Development International, external .

Image source, Scottish government

According to the  Scottish government‘s ―Exports Statistics Scotland survey, external , Scottish businesses exported £78.6 billion worth of goods and services in 2015. 

This figure excludes direct oil and gas exports from the Scottish section of the UK Continental Shelf. 

Of this total:

 £49.8 billion (63%) went to other parts of the UK

 £12.3 billion (16%) went overseas to other parts of the EU 

£16.4 billion (21%) of goods and services were exported to the rest of the world. 

The USA is the top destination for overseas exports, accounting for £4.6 billion worth of Scottish goods and services in 2015.11  

Mr Lindhurst asks what the government and its agencies can do better and more of.

The Economy Committee convener says KPMG underlined the importance of businesses that have exposures to Europe and the need for these to evolve.

He says the wider international context must be considered and more should be done to expand the export base.

Mr Lindhurst says "this is a critical time for exporting businesses" and the committee will keep the government's four-point plan under review.

Scotland's trade with the rest of the UK continues to be worth four times more than its exports to the EU, according to Scottish government figures.

The latest Export Statistics Scotland data showed the country sold £49.8bn to the rest of the UK in 2015 - £2.1bn more than the previous year.

Exports to the EU rose by £520m to a total of £12.3bn.

Image source, Reuters

Both figures represented a 4.4% increase on the previous year.

The Scottish government is exploring options for keeping Scotland in the European single market after Brexit, with the first minister saying a second independence referendum is highly likely if it is felt to be the best option for protecting the country's interests.

Opponents argue that independence could threaten access to UK markets - a claim that is dismissed by the Scottish government.

• Read the export statistics report, external
• Douglas Fraser on what the figures show
• Quiz time: How much do you know about Scotland's trade figures?

Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Gordon Lindhurst says the unfolding economics of Brexit is a topic the committee may want to return to.

Mr Lindhurst points out that more exports go to the rest of the UK.

He says the growth potential for exports is greatest in China and India.

The Tory MSP says: "We must strive to develop a more international mentality."

Economy Committee convener Gordon Lindhurst says those with a cynical disposition may think this debate "won't set the heather alight" but somehow he believes there will be more sparks this afternoon.

Mr Lindhurst says his role in the debate is to speak as the convener of the Economy Committee.

He says there has been nine meetings of the committee hearing from a wide range of witnesses. 

Mr Lindhurst says the committee has been looking for risks and opportunities and focused on three main areas:

• Exports
• Investing in Scotland 
• Labour market issued

Holyrood's economy, jobs and fair work committee is one of several which have been taking evidence on the potential economic impact of leaving the European Union.

The committee's  report, external  on the topic calls on the Scottish government to do more to boost trade within the EU and beyond, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

It reads: "Trade promotion must be the focus of the Scottish government going forward, both within the EU and beyond.

Image source, bbc

"More needs to be done to support businesses in exporting across the world. Now is the time to maximise opportunities in growing markets such as China and India."

They said access to the single market was "vitally important" to many exporting business in sectors across Scotland, calling on the government to prioritise supporting businesses throughout the Brexit negotiations.

Members asked to see a strategy for dealing with import inflation "as a matter of urgency", and for work to "address issues of skills gaps and workforce planning" in relation to EU migrant workers.

The Scottish government "must do more" to support local businesses exporting across the world in the wake of Brexit , Holyrood's economy committee have said.

MSPs want the government to review its strategy due to the "changing economic landscape" since the EU referendum.

The committee argues that it is "time to maximise opportunities in growing markets such as China and India".

Image source, Getty Images

The Scottish government said it was "working on an ambitious programme of internationalisation" and trade.

A spokeswoman described Brexit as "by far the biggest threat to Scotland's jobs, prosperity and economy".

Meanwhile Scottish Brexit minister Mike Russell has denied there would be a "bonfire of regulations" for exporting firms after the UK leaves the EU.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

The economy committee will now lead a debate on its Brexit impact report.

Here is the  Report on the Economic Impact of Leaving the European Union., external