WG launches first international trade strategy

INTERNATIONAL Relations Minister Eluned Morgan launched Wales’ first International Strategy on Tuesday, January 14.
The strategy aims to promote the country as an outward-looking nation ready to work and trade with the rest of the world.
It is being launched as the UK prepares to leave the EU and negotiate a new relationship with the European Union and trade deals with international partners around the world.
Eluned Morgan said: “A strong international presence has never been more relevant for Wales.
“Following the EU referendum in 2016 and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the UK’s future relationship with Europe, Wales will pursue its place on the international stage with renewed vigour.”
The International Strategy has 3 core ambitions over the next 5 years:
• Raise Wales’ profile on the international stage
• Grow the economy by increasing exports and attracting inward investment
• Establish Wales as a globally responsible nation
It is the start of a new approach to how the Welsh Government promotes Wales internationally, identifies Wales’ key global markets in a post-Brexit landscape and highlights 3 sectors where Wales is recognised as a world leader – cybersecurity, compound-semiconductors and the creative industries.
The Welsh Government hopes the approach will project a new dynamic and vibrant image of Wales as a modern, confident, high-tech, creative and sustainable nation.
Speaking ahead of the launch the minister said: “As Wales’ first Minister for International Relations, it was important to bring the achievements of the last 20 years together and use these as a foundation to set out Wales’ future approach to its international work.
“For a small, smart nation, Wales enjoys a reputation, which stretches far beyond its borders. The strategy will build on this reputation and showcase Wales as a nation that will be known for its creativity, its expertise in technology and its commitment to sustainability.”
Responding in the Senedd for the Conservatives, Darren Millar said: “I think it’s absolutely right that there’s a deliberate attempt by the Welsh Government to strengthen the presence of the Welsh Government overseas post Brexit. I think it’s absolutely right that some very key and core ambitions flow through the whole of the document. And I think it’s right that we are attempting to get the Government focused on delivering centres of excellence around those three particular sectors that you referred cybersecurity, compound semiconductors and the creative industries.”
Delyth Jewell, for Plaid Cymru, responded: “I’m glad that you have finally published details about how you intend to engage with the Welsh diaspora all over the world. This is fertile ground that Plaid Cymru has been calling for Government investment in for years. We are way behind countries such as Ireland and Scotland, so setting up this diaspora database is a positive first step that will allow the Welsh Government to take a more proactive approach. That will help us culturally and economically, and will benefit Wales.”
Welcoming the Minister’s statement, Mandy Jones of the Brexit Party said: “I do hope that the Government considers the possibility of actually hosting a new trade summit here in Wales for Commonwealth countries. This could promote trade and also celebrate cultures, history and future relationships. I see this not as a replacement for the EU relationship, but as an additional relationship with countries who also share our goals and our values.”
Eluned Morgan concluded the debate by emphasising the Welsh Government did not want to limit its ambition on international trade to the three sectors the policy focuses on.
“Let me make it clear,” the Minister said, “we are not just focusing on three sectors.
“Those three sectors are to just get the attention of people when we walk into the room. We did that when we went to Germany last year. We invited people to a tech meeting, we told them that we were going to talk about cyber and compound semiconductors; we finished up talking about insurance tech.
“It’s about getting people through the door and how you pique their interest.”