How we are changing the role of ports in the economy, whilst supporting fair work and the transition to net zero.
The Freeport Programme in Wales offers an opportunity to harness Wales’s abundant economic potential.
We worked with the UK Government to design a freeport model, which delivers three main objectives:
- Promote regeneration and high quality job creation
- Establish the freeports as national hubs for global trade and investment across the economy
- Foster an innovative environment
In return, businesses will benefit from being part of a special zone. This includes:
- simplified customs procedures
- relief on customs duties
- tax benefits
The programme includes our policies on fair work and social partnership to ensure workers:
- are fairly rewarded, heard and represented
- can progress in a secure, healthy, and inclusive working environment
- have their rights respected
A Welsh freeport must operate within:
- the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
- the Welsh Government’s net zero commitments
Welsh freeports “Open for Business”
Following the Welsh Government and UK Government agreement of the Celtic and Anglesey Freeport Outline Business Cases, both governments have laid legislation to designate the Freeport tax sites meaning they are now live and open for business.
This is a positive and significant development which aims to support sustained growth and high-quality jobs.
With the designation of tax sites, businesses in these areas can now access a range of tax incentives designed to drive investment and growth.
We are now working closely with both freeports and the UK Government to finalise their Full Business Cases. This will release up to £25 million seed capital for each Freeport and move them fully into delivery.
Outcome of the Freeport Programme in Wales competition
On 23 March 2023, the UK and Welsh governments announced that Anglesey Freeport and Celtic Freeport had been successful in their bids to establish freeports.
See the announcement: Wales’ new freeports unveiled
Find out more about how bidders applied for the competition: Freeport Programme in Wales: bidding prospectus
Welsh freeports guidance
We worked with the prospective freeports to ensure they:
- have a positive impact
- can start operating as soon as possible
This guidance explains the steps freeports must follow to begin their operations: Freeport Programme in Wales: setup and delivery phase guidance.
We have published guidance on non-domestic rates retention and non-domestic rates relief.
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact Freeports@gov.wales