The statement was made by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, Scottish Financial Enterprise, Scottish Council for Development & Industry, Confederation of British Industry and Institute of Directors.
The agreement recognises the need for the Scottish and UK governments to work together to secure the very best deal for Scottish business in the UK-wide negotiations to be held with the EU.
It also urges businesses to continue to collaborate and identify the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
The group also stress the need to get the best possible trade agreements in the future, writing: “we are committed to working in collaboration with the Scottish & UK governments to secure the best deal for Scottish businesses in the negotiations that lie ahead. These negotiations will determine our future trading relationships with the European Union and will also influence how we trade with the rest of the world.”
Scottish Conservative shadow cabinet secretary for the economy, Dean Lockhart warmly welcomed the commitment.
He said:
“The Scottish Government should follow the advice given by the business community and work closely with the UK Government as part of the UK-wide negotiations with the EU.
“This is how Scotland will get the very best trade deals going forward.
“Scottish Conservative leader, Ruth Davidson, has already met with Europe Minister David Lidington to discuss the best path for Scotland and the UK in the upcoming EU negotiations. Ruth made it very clear that she wants Scotland to play a central part in those EU negotiations.
“I also welcome the call from business for on-going ‘access to a talented, skilled workforce, including the clear protection of EU nationals currently studying, living and working in Scotland’ given that their skills are crucial to the continued success of business in Scotland.”
Mr Lockhart also highlighted the over-riding need for leadership and stability at a time when there are a number of uncertainties facing businesses across Scotland, adding:
“This joint statement highlights Scottish business at its very best. It shows strong leadership and being willing to get ahead of the challenge and remind the world that Scotland is open for business.
“While a lower Sterling exchange rate brings some challenges, it also makes our exports cheaper so we will be working with Scottish businesses to explore ways in which to expand exports to the EU and non-EU countries.”
The shadow cabinet secretary also stressed the need for economic stability and to avoid additional constitutional uncertainties such as the unnecessary discussions about a second independence referendum.
He said: “Our exports to the EU are critically important, being worth some £11.6b each year and we will do everything we can at a UK-level to protect our access to the single market.
“It is worth highlighting also that our exports to the rest of the UK, in comparison, are worth £48.5b each year. In other words, the UK single market is four times more important to our firms and is underpinned by both our shared currency and our free borders.
“The very last thing businesses in this country need is for a question mark to be raised over the future of this fundamental market that supports the vast majority of our exports.”