Oil and gas supply companies are increasingly looking overseas with a new survey showing record activity and a sharp rise in sales.
The Scottish Enterprise report showed that in 2008 international sales increased by almost 20 per cent, with a ten per cent rise in sales overall.
The most popular areas to do business included Africa, Canada, the United States, and Russia.
Analysts say while economic conditions have changed considerably since the survey was carried out, the emphasis on internationalisation is key.
Brian Nixon, director of energy at Scottish Enterprise, explained that the Scottish oil industry's skills were in high demand around the world.
He said: "The expertise that the Scottish ops supply chain is taking to international markets continues to be in very high demand throughout the world.
"I think the credibility, the experience, and the technology that we're taking to these markets will continue to provide the opportunities."
Ian Armstrong, north east manager of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry, called on the Treasury to lend the industry a helping hand.
He added: "I think, particularly given that the environment has changed, both in terms of the credit supply and also the low oil price, the time is right for the Chancellor in his budget to provide some fiscal incentives for the industry to continue to explore and invest - not only in the traditional areas of the North Sea but also west of Shetland."
