WIREDGOV

Over 120 Welsh business owners and industry representatives are attending a major export conference in Cardiff today.

Opened by First Minister Carwyn Jones, the full day event will focus on exporting and the implications of Brexit – such as tariffs and non-tariff barriers - and consider trading scenarios from March 2019.

Business experts from the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, Strong and Herd, the UK Export Joint Unit, Godi and UK Finance will be on hand to provide advice on how to navigate the rules and regulations of selling goods and services overseas.

Representatives from the Welsh Government’s overseas offices will also hold market-focussed seminars throughout the day to discuss ways businesses can develop their export markets.

Opening the conference, the First Minister will say:

“Welsh exports are worth £14.6bn to our economy each year, with 61% of Welsh exports going to the EU. We must not let Brexit derail this success. 

“Today, we are talking to people who run Welsh businesses about the support the Welsh Government can provide as the UK prepares to leave the EU. This is a time of huge uncertainty, but we are working hard to offer Welsh businesses the practical help they need to continue to export or start selling their good overseas in a post-Brexit economy.

“Our post-Brexit vision is of Wales as a globally trading nation, open to the wider world, while maintaining our strong trade with the EU. We need a Brexit deal that allows Welsh goods to keep flowing into the EU without new obstacles or costs, while embracing the new drive for trading opportunities around the world.”

Economy Secretary Ken Skates will also address the conference in Cardiff City Stadium. He will say: 

“Key to successfully exporting goods and services across the globe is an understanding of the market in which you wish to do business.

“Today’s conference is all about supporting  Welsh businesses to feel confident enough to take their products and services worldwide, helping them to understand the strengths and limitations of different markets and advising on how businesses can grow their overseas operations.

“Our new Economic Action Plan is clear about our commitment to prioritising exports and trade and to helping businesses retain their existing trading partners, while supporting them to branch out into other global markets.

“The Welsh Government’s job is to ensure that our business owners are getting all the help they need to weather the challenges and embrace the opportunities ahead so we can drive forward our commitment to build a stronger and fairer economy for all.”