WIREDGOV

Economy Minister Edwina Hart is to visit Japan next week on a Welsh Government inward investment mission, aimed at building on the established links between the two countries.

The visit builds on a previous visit to the country last year. Similar missions to Canada and the USA earlier this year have been followed by major jobs announcements such as those announced by Canadian company CGI and American firm Tenneco Walker.

The Minister said:

“Our international trade programme forms a key part of our drive to stimulate business growth and these missions are an important component of the overall package of support we offer companies. Last week was full of good news, with the announcement of almost 1000 jobs as a result of inward investment into Wales.
“However, we are not resting on our laurels and are committed to attracting even more companies to Wales and encouraging those already here to expand. Last year there were 50 Japanese owned businesses active in Wales, employing more than 6,000 people and I am delighted to use this opportunity to build on these long established links between our two countries.”

While in Japan, the Minister will visit Hitachi which is set to play a pivotal role in the proposed new nuclear build on Anglesey. She will also meet senior executives from a number of well known Japanese companies including Sony and Toyota, anchor companies that are of strategic importance to the Welsh economy, electronics giants Panasonic and Sharp and food and drink companies Hakutsuru Sake and Calbee.

Discussions will centre on future investment opportunities and how the Welsh Government can support any potential growth projects. The programme will also include a tourism focussed lunch jointly hosted by Visit Britain, aimed at boosting the number of Japanese tour operators coming to Wales.

The trade mission comes ahead of the Wales-UK Investment Conference at the Celtic Manor Resort on November 21st, which aims to build on the excellent profile generated by the NATO Summit. The conference will bring together more than 250 global investors, business leaders and senior government ministers to showcase what Wales has to offer as a destination for business.