Douglas Ross has backed the north and north-east to be awarded Freeport status, with the potential of creating more than 20,000 jobs.
On a visit to Peterhead, the Scottish Conservative leader said the region was ideally suited to reap the benefits of a Freeport.
In February, the UK and Scottish Governments agreed a landmark deal to establish two new Freeports in Scotland.
Backed by up to £52 million of UK Government funding, the new hubs will create tens of thousands of jobs and support the regeneration of communities across Scotland.
Bids for a Freeport will be jointly assessed by UK and Scottish government officials.
The UK Government said it expects the existing confirmed Freeports to add £23.9 billion to the UK economy.
While in Peterhead, with Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid MP, Douglas Ross met with fishing groups and the Peterhead Port Authority. It confirmed a bid will be launched which, if successful, could create more than 20,000 jobs.
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “I was delighted to meet with members of Peterhead Port Authority who spoke of their transformational plans for the north-east.
“There are so many places throughout the region that would benefit from gaining Freeport status.
“Freeports have the potential to create thousands of high-quality jobs and regenerate local communities.
"They are a great demonstration of one of the ways in which the UK Government’s Levelling Up strategy will help towns and cities across Scotland.
“I know competition will be fierce for these hubs because of their huge potential to spur investment, accelerate innovation and boost trade but I believe the north and north-east are well placed to submit fantastic bids.”