Jack McConnell wants to highlight Scotland's "vibrancy and energy"

Mr McConnell is aiming to boost Scotland's economic and political links with the United States and Canada.

His itinerary includes a meeting with business mogul Donald Trump, whose mother Mary MacLeod was born on the Isle of Lewis in 1912.

He will also meet Hugh Boyle, the Scots-born founder of Zoom Airlines.

Major operation

The first minister will be joined by Scottish Enterprise chief executive Jack Perry as he focuses on the two key Scottish sectors of financial services and life sciences.

Scotland currently exports an estimated �2.5bn worth of goods to America every year.

Aides said that Mr McConnell was keen to discuss opportunities for further investment with JP Morgan, who already have a major operation in Glasgow.

He also wants to strengthen the relationship with Citigroup, who currently employ 300 people in Edinburgh, during talks with company executives in New York on Monday.

Before his departure, Mr McConnell said it was "absolutely essential" for ministers to engage with big business around the world.

The annual Tartan Day promotes Scotland in the US

"If we are to compete effectively against other countries then it requires political leaders to play their part," he said.

On Tuesday the first minister will address a business breakfast at Harvard Business Club before his meeting at Trump Towers with the plain-speaking host of hit television show The Apprentice.

Mr McConnell will travel to the Canadian capital Ottawa where on Wednesday he is due to have talks with Mr Boyle before going to the national parliament and meeting Prime Minister Paul Martin.

He is to address a Scottish Diaspora reception attended by more than 400 guests and hosted by leading Canadian broadcaster Wendy Mesley on Thursday evening.