WIREDGOV

The Welsh dragon has roared over Wall Street as one of the world’s largest financial and trading centres, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), was swathed in Welsh flags as the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones rang the famous Closing Bell at the end of the week’s business.

Carwyn Jones rang the Bell to celebrate the strong historic and economic relationship between Wales with the USA on friday (27 February 2015). Welsh actor and UNICEF ambassador Michael Sheen OBE was also present.

The First Minister, who is visiting Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York to promote Wales abroad said:

"It was a huge honour to be invited to ring the iconic Closing Bell.

"We have a fantastic business relationship with the US. There are 270 American companies based in Wales and the USA continues to be our top export destination by far.

"This record has not been achieved by good fortune; it’s down to the hard work of the Welsh Government in building strong relationships with companies to show that Wales is an excellent and rewarding place to do business.

"It is a great privilege to promote Wales to the world and we have so much to offer companies of all kinds – a highly skilled and motivated workforce, investment in infrastructure and training, a welcoming culture and importantly a government that backs business and wants to help it succeed.  

"The ringing of the NYSE Closing Bell is viewed by millions across the globe. The eyes of the world have been on Wales and I hope they liked what they saw."