Finance Secretary John Swinney has told business leaders that an independent Scotland would allow them to "realise their growth ambitions and contribute" to the country's success.
In an address to the Institute of Directors in Edinburgh, Mr Swinney talked about an improved competitive business environment post-independence and the economic benefits of Scotland having control over factors influencing the economy and prosperity.
He said: "This government is focused on maximising every opportunity to increase sustainable economic growth and prosperity. This is evident in our actions, most recently in allocating over £200 million to support immediate capital investment and committing to further investment to construction, skills and the green economy in our draft budget."
He continued: "Scotland has real competitive advantages in terms of skills and expertise - a strong energy centre in the north east; an internationally important food and drink sector; a strong manufacturing retail and commercial base and a strong financial services sector. These are all thriving centres of commercial activity which can be developed and strengthened by the levers that independence would bring.
"Scotland's business community already benefits from the most supportive business environment in the UK, with a package of rates relief worth more than £500 million each year.
"The latest report on foreign direct investment from Ernst and Young also highlights that Scotland is - for the second year in a row - the top-performing location in the UK for securing inward investment jobs.
"This track record of securing inward investment and ensuring that our innovators and entrepreneurs have access to the advice and support they need to succeed is testament to the tireless work of our enterprise agencies, supported through the vision of our economic strategy.
"Scotland's competitiveness would only improve under independence, where the Scottish Government would take full responsibility for creating the conditions for growth and supporting our businesses to deliver it.
"We have set out our intention to show why we believe independence to be the right road for economic success and in the coming months we will outline proposals and ideas on key areas of interest to business, such as regulation and Scotland's financial framework.
"In the meantime I ask that businesses consider the opportunity that independence will offer them to realise their growth ambitions and contribute to Scotland's success."
