The Scottish Affairs Committee is set to look at how the UK Government promotes Scotland abroad.
It announced plans for an inquiry into the work of embassies and missions around the world - and also the Scotland Office - in promoting Scotland.
The probe will also look at what trade deals being negotiated by Westminster will mean for Scotland, along with the long-term impacts of major events such as COP26.
Committee chairman Pete Wishart said: “At home in the UK, we know Scotland’s extraordinary offering: from enormous cultural events of international significance to the finest food and drink.
“From whisky and fish to professional services, Scotland routinely punches above its weight on exports.
“The international appeal is there – 40% of Scottish exports, excluding oil and gas, go to countries all around the world, with the remaining 60% going to elsewhere in the UK.
“Our committee will be examining how well Scotland is promoted internationally, particularly to investors that may be considering Scotland as a place to do business. Is there more we can do, and can we attract even more investment to Scotland?”
The committee has also called for written submissions to be offered, with a deadline set for 22 September.
These should focus on, but not be limited to:
• How successful UK bodies and the UK Government have been in promoting investment in Scotland and Scottish products internationally, and steps they could take to improve this;
• How Scottish interests are represented and promoted in UK embassies and missions around the world;
• How effective the Scotland Office, in coordination with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, have been in promoting Scotland internationally, and whether this could be strengthened;
• The role of the UK Government in promoting Scottish trade and exports, and steps it should take to maximise the benefits of recent and upcoming Free Trade Agreements for Scotland;
• How effectively Scotland’s cultural offer is promoted overseas by the UK Government and its associated bodies;
• How effectively hosting major international events such as COP26 have been capitalised on to boost Scotland’s profile/promote Scotland overseas.
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