First Minister Alex Salmond has met with Jeff Immelt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of General Electric, in Aberdeen to discuss further potential opportunities for the company to invest in Scotland.

During what was the first visit to Scotland by a GE CEO since devolution, the FM reconfirmed the Scottish Government's keen interest in seeing GE expand its footprint in the country.

GE employs 2,000 people in Scotland at locations in Aberdeen, Montrose, Prestwick, Livingston and Edinburgh. Its investments in Scotland include energy, oil and gas, aviation and finance. In 2009, it completed a £2.75 million investment in its Montrose facility to create a global services headquarters.

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The FM said: "This meeting has reaffirmed GE's interest in Scotland and confirms Scotland's reputation as a nation open for business and ripe for investment. GE's announcement that it is ready to invest in the UK and hire the people with skills who will make this a reality is good news.

"Today, among other issues, we have been discussing Scotland's potential - through its resources and technology - to grow our renewable energy industry massively. This visit reinforces GE's commitment to Scotland and Mr Immelt recognises that Scotland is an increasingly attractive prospect for future investment opportunities."

Mr Immelt said: "We are proud of the strong employee and investment base that we have here in Scotland. The expertise and experience we see in the aviation, energy and oil and gas industries makes Scotland a very attractive place to do business."

(GK)