Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
This written statement provides an update on the Welsh Government’s activity to promote and market Wales.
Marketing is a key element in our efforts to increase both the profile of Wales and, as a consequence, the number of companies showing interest in Wales as an investment location. We have offices in North America, India, China, Brussels, Japan, London and Ireland, and work extensively with UKTI to ensure our message is being communicated to key groups.
We have an extensive trade mission and exhibitions programme to help businesses find international opportunities. There are over 40 overseas events in 2013/14 being led by the Welsh Government, ranging from sector specific to multi-sector trade missions. Details of the programme are available on the Business Wales website through the following link: https://business.wales.gov.uk/welsh-government-trade-missions-1.
The Just Ask Wales marketing campaign was launched on 13 January 2014. The campaign is aimed at attracting more foreign-owned companies looking to grow and expand to consider a future in Wales. The campaign highlights the skills, support, space and speed of decision making in Wales, as well as the number of highly successful companies already based in Wales that have benefited from Welsh Government support. Details can be accessed through the dedicated Just Ask Wales website: http://justask.wales.com/.
Hosting major events is increasingly important for Wales in terms of raising Wales’ profile across the world and attracting people to visit and stay in Wales with economic benefits being spread to surrounding areas. There are also a number of campaigns being taken forward to promote and market Wales within our priority markets of the UK, Ireland, Germany and the USA. For example on 1 March we launched our new £4m Visit Wales campaign. We also work closely with Visit Britain to ensure Wales is represented across PR, consumer and trade activity in other international markets. Further details of tourism marketing activities can be accessed on the Welsh Government website.