Foreign direct investment into Wales grew significantly in the
last year, with large increases in projects secured and jobs
created, new figures show.
Wales secured 65 projects in 2024-25, a 23% increase on the
previous financial year. This was the second highest increase of
any nation or region of the UK.
This saw 2,470 new jobs created in Wales, a 30% increase compared
to 2023-24. Again, this was the second highest increase of any
nation or region across the UK.
The results have been published by the Department for Business
and Trade in its annual report on Foreign Direct Investments
(FDI) in the UK.
A total of 1,652 jobs were also safeguarded in Wales by direct
foreign investment in 2024-25 – the highest number of all nations
and regions.
Welsh Government works to attract foreign investment to Wales in
a number of ways, from promoting our core strengths at sector
events to offering advice to companies on areas such potential
locations, talent, business networks and links with academia.
Investments in the last year include at Shotton Mill Ltd, which
is owned by Turkish corporate Eren Holdings.
The North Wales-based company will become the UK's largest
paper-manufacturing campus thanks to a £1 billion redevelopment.
Supported by £13 million Welsh Government funding, it will see
147 jobs safeguarded and create a further 220 when fully
commissioned.
Elsewere, Halton Flamgard, which is part of the Finish Halton
Group, has relocated to the recently completed RYB1 unit in Ebbw
Vale, following an £8.9 million investment by Welsh Government in
the low carbon facility. Part of a planned expansion, it will see
employee numbers soar at the company from 70 to 168 by 2028.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, , said:
“Despite political and economic factors impacting growth
globally, Wales has again seen a significant increase in foreign
investment.
“There has been a large increase in jobs created through FDI in
2024-25 and the continuing growth of ‘new' investment into Wales
has reached a nine-year high.
“This is proof that our proactive approach to promoting Wales
globally as a great place to do business is delivering. From
Delhi to San Diego we have further raised the profile of Wales as
an outstanding investment destination with key sectors that boast
world class capabilities.”
First Minister said:
"Creating high quality jobs in key sectors is a priority for this
government, and attracting overseas investment is a key part of
our economic strategy.
"We are focused as a government on economic growth, and these
figures highlight the confidence investors are showing in the
Welsh economy. Our International Investment Summit later this
year will provide a further opportunity to showcase Wales to the
world and attract even more investment into Wales."
Notes to editors
Department of Business and Trade latest inward investment figures
can be found here: DBT inward investment
results 2024 to 2025 - GOV.UK
