Government agencies will attempt to attract international steel operators to take on Scotland's troubled steel mills with offers of tax breaks and publicly-funded contracts, business minister Fergus Ewing has said.
Mr Ewing chaired the first Scottish steel taskforce meeting in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, today to discuss proposals to find an alternative operator for Tata Steel's plants at Dalzell and Clydebridge.
He said: "Today's first meeting of the taskforce was a chance for all members to agree that our primary focus is to secure an alternative operator for the Dalzell and Clydebridge plants, and retain as many jobs as possible.
"Tata Steel gave an update on global market conditions, the challenges it faces in its UK operations and its commitment to work with the taskforce to find a viable future for the business.
"We also heard the optimism and determination of the trade unions to maintain a viable steel industry.
"The taskforce heard of the work that Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and other parties have been doing with the company to find a positive outcome.
"The Scottish Government has been looking urgently at what more we can do to help, on issues like business rates, energy efficiency and generation, how to cut operating costs at the plants and considering the public procurement of steel in our forward infrastructure investment programme.
"In addition, Scottish Development International now has a prospectus to take to potential operators around the world, to seek out and connect with untapped businesses and investors.
"All members of the taskforce agreed we will not give up on our steel industry and we will work urgently across all fronts to meet our aims."
Eddie McAvoy, South Lanarkshire Council leader, said: "We were glad to be able to host this first meeting of the taskforce.
"If the proposed closures go ahead it will have a devastating impact, not just on the workers involved and their families but on the wider communities.
"The best outcome would be if we can help find a way to keep these two important steel plants open."
The taskforce will meet again on November 13, hosted by North Lanarkshire Council.
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