Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
Members will wish to be aware that I am today publishing the Welsh Government’s International Agenda which will guide the Government’s collective work, while setting out clear objectives for our international activity.
The International Agenda emphasises that it is business and the well-being of Wales which drive the Welsh Government’s work abroad. In recent years I have made it a priority to increase the Welsh Government’s international footprint with a view to being more pro-active and aggressive in pursuit of investment. I, and other Ministers, have supported this effort by leading investment missions around the world. We have recently posted the best investment figures for a generation. This has come about, in part, from an increased effort internationally to promote Wales as a place to invest, visit, study and live. It’s the result of strategy, application and long term commitment.
The document confirms the Government’s commitment to business, increasing international trade and investment, promoting tourism and culture, our place in the European Union, international collaborative projects across the education and health sectors, and maintaining a strong presence in overseas markets.
Wales is a small country making a big impact and I am proud that Wales has an increasing global reputation and is respected in the community of nations. With the success of major international events over the past 5 years, Wales is a nation growing in confidence and has proved its ability to deliver on the international stage.
I believe the International Agenda document maps a way forward to even greater success and towards building the kind of outward-facing Wales we all want to see.