As more than 300 senior industry and business leaders prepare to
gather in Newport to explore exciting investment opportunities
across Wales, it has been revealed the country has attracted
£4.6bn of inward investment in the last year.
The Wales Investment Summit, being staged by the Welsh Government
at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICCW) on Monday 1
December, will attract global investors from 27 countries to
experience the nation's world-leading innovation in a first of
its scale event since Wales hosted the NATO Summit in 2014.
Since then, Wales has seen dramatic growth in new industries
which have flourished in the last decade – such
as artificial intelligence, clean energy, semiconductors and
creative sectors.
Global investors, business leaders, and Welsh companies will come
together to showcase opportunities and forge partnerships as part
of the First Minister's ambition to secure major investment that
will deliver long-term prosperity and more quality, sustainable
jobs for Wales.
Of the 250 companies expected to attend, 150 of these will be new
to Wales.
Among the famous Welsh faces helping First Minister provide a warm croeso to
delegates will be Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas and
television presenter, .
First Minister said:
"In the year since I announced this summit would be happening,
Wales has attracted around £4.6bn of inward investment from
around the world.
“Events like this provide crucial focus for business and
government to work together and make deals that will benefit
communities the length and breadth of Wales.
"Wales offers a compelling investment proposition thanks to our
world-class infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a strategic
location that provides access to major UK and European markets.
“We're creating the conditions for businesses to succeed and
grow, and Wales is attracting global investment like never
before.”
There are currently 1,545 foreign-owned businesses active in
Wales, employing more than 176,500 people across the nation.
In 2024–25, Wales secured 65 Foreign Direct Investment projects –
a 23% increase year-on-year and the second highest growth in the
UK. These projects created 2,470 new jobs and safeguarded 1,652
more, the highest of any part of the UK.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, , said:
"From semiconductors in Newport to renewable energy projects
across our coastlines, Wales is at the forefront of the
industries that will define the next decade.
“Our role as government is to work in partnership with
businesses, removing barriers and creating the right conditions
for investment to flourish.
"The companies attending the summit will see first-hand why Wales
is the smart choice – and we're ready to turn conversations into
commitments.”
