Enterprise Minister Jim Mather has met Donald Trump in New York during Scotland Week.

At the meeting, Mr Trump reinforced his commitment to supporting tourism and jobs in Scotland.

Around 2,000 full time jobs are due to be created in the long term at the Menie Estate development in Aberdeenshire.

Jim Mather said: "It is already clear that the Trump International golf project will provide significant economic and social benefit to Scotland.

"In addition, there is the good news that Donald Trump recognises the benefits of coming to Scotland. That allows me to broadcast to the US that Scotland is open for business and can reward its investors."

Mathers said North America is our largest international tourism market, bringing in 417,000 visitors and more than £257m into our economy. And the significance of the USA is also huge for our exporters. It is already our top export destination with £2.8bn of exports - 13% of total - going to the USA in 2007.


"All this allows me to tell American companies that world class development opportunities are available in Scotland. In partnership with Scottish Development international, we will work tirelessly to stimulate fresh investment and sell the benefits of locating in Scotland."

Donald Trump said: "We are thrilled to show our continued support during Scotland Week and I am excited about planning my visit to Scotland during Homecoming 2009. In addition to continued developments underway at Trump International Golf Links in Scotland, I'm happy to reinforce my commitment to the great nation of my ancestors by supporting job creation and tourism."

George Sorial of the Trump Organization added: "We were very excited to meet with Minister Mather today and look forward to the projects we'll be undertaking in Scotland over the next year.

"The Trump Organization will be making many trips back to Scotland during Homecoming and we are encouraging people across North America to visit this beautiful and welcoming country in the years to come."

In line with the Government's purpose to increase sustainable economic growth, Jim Mather is engaging with major business organisations in the USA to encourage inward investment and commercial opportunities.

While in New York, Mr Mather met with the Trump Organization, JP Morgan, Blackrock Inc, Morgan Stanley, Citi, IBM and Pfizer Inc.

Mr Mather is travelling to Raleigh, North Carolina, to meet with state government representatives and Wilmington, North Carolina to meet with science and technology organisations.

(GK/JM)