The First Minister will attend meetings with the World Bank and the IMF on a trip to Washington DC next month.

Nicola Sturgeon will also address potential investors at a business event in New York City in her first major overseas trip since her appointment.

Included in the US itinerary are visits to a top children's hospital with links to Yorkhill in Glasgow and a school in Brooklyn that has overcome attainment challenges.

Ms Sturgeon said: "We know that Scotland is a great place to live, visit, do business, study and invest.

"That's why it is so important that Scotland continues to build our reputation right around the world.

"Ernst and Young's latest Attractiveness Survey showed that 2014 was Scotland's most successful year in the past decade for attracting US investments and that we are continuing to hold our own as an attractive location for foreign investment in an increasingly competitive global market.

"I am determined that this must continue, which is why I will be meeting companies already investing in Scotland and showcasing the very best Scotland has to offer to potential new investors.

"As part of my visit I am also looking forward to learning from the experience of New York and Washington DC, particularly in raising attainment, addressing inequality and discussing with the World Bank and IMF how to build the link between economic growth and inequality."

Ms Sturgeon will use the trip to promote fundraising for Glasgow School of Art following last year's devastating fire.

In Washington DC, as well as meeting with the World Bank and IMF, she will address the Council on Foreign Relations.

The First Minister will make her first speech in Brussels on Tuesday when she will outline the Scottish Government's position on key issues facing Europe at the European Policy Centre.