Scotland's manufactured exports have risen, figures today revealed.
Official statistics showed manufactured export sales were up by 2.3% in real terms in the first quarter of 2008, and at the end of March had grown by 3.2% over the year.
Enterprise minister Jim Mather said the figures were a welcome sign at a time of global economic uncertainty.
He said: "These latest statistics show that Scottish manufactured exports grew strongly in the first quarter of 2008 and over the year.
"This performance is even more encouraging because it demonstrates that the Scottish economy is continuing to show resilience at a time of global uncertainty."
Mr Mather said that favourable exchange rate conditions were "undoubtedly" an important factor behind the figures.
CBI Scotland's director Iain McMillan, said the rise had come after what appeared to be a "temporary dip in fortunes" in the final quarter of 2007.
He said: "It is heartening that exporters' performance perked up in the first quarter of this year."
Mr McMillan added: "This suggests that Scottish firms are proving remarkably resilient, despite stiff competition and significant cost rises."
The main industries that contributed to the increase in manufactured export sales over the first quarter of 2008 were mechanical engineering, which increased by 19.3%, electrical and instrument engineering, which was up by 6.6%, the textiles, fur and leather sector, which was up 3.4% and the wood, paper and printing industries, which grew by 2.2%.
However there was a 14.8% drop for the food and tobacco sector over the quarter, and a 10.4% reduction in manufactured export sales of transport equipment over the quarter.
Mr Mather stressed the need to "put aside any thoughts of complacency and continue our drive to make Scotland a more competitive place to do business".
The minister added: "Our economic performance has been sluggish at best for decades. This government has determined not to let this under-performance hold back this country and its people any longer.
"That's why we have put increased sustainable economic growth at the heart of our purpose as a government. And it is why we are reducing and removing business rates for 150,000 small businesses, providing record support to an enterprising third sector, funding improvements in Scotland's connectivity and have refocused and reinvigorated our enterprise networks."
Scotland Office Minister David Cairns said he was "greatly encouraged" by the figures.
The UK Government minister added: "Increased export sales over the last quarter and the year demonstrate that Scotland's manufacturing companies are successfully competing hard for market share in what we know is a difficult global economic climate.
"This Government has worked hard to ensure macroeconomic stability and a flexible economy for our businesses. These are essential for success and we remain steadfast in our determination to help businesses develop."
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