Written Statement by MS, First Minister
On 1 December, I welcomed nearly 350 delegates from 29 countries
into Wales for the Wales Investment Summit at the International
Convention Centre Wales. The Summit was a major opportunity
to present Wales as a prime destination for high-value
international investment and to demonstrate the collective
strengths of our economy, our businesses, our universities and
colleges, and our communities. More than 150 of the companies and
organisations which attended do not currently have a presence in
Wales.
My goals for this Summit were:
• To raise the profile of Wales as a
dynamic and sustainable economy, showcasing how we respond to
global business drivers and promote growth, green jobs, and
decarbonisation.
• To present Wales as a hub of UK
excellence, highlighting priority sectors, places and clusters
demonstrating that Wales is as an outstanding investment
destination within the UK.
• To position Wales, and a focussed range
of local and regional project opportunities across areas such as
regeneration, energy and infrastructure, as an attractive
commercial proposition for private sector finance.
• And to link investors to future
opportunities, ensuring the Summit acts as a catalyst for new
investment and long-term economic partnerships.
The Summit spotlighted six sectors where Wales is already leading
the way, and which are primed for growth: tech and digital, life
sciences, compound semiconductors, advanced manufacturing,
creative industries, and clean energy. These align well with the
UK Government's Industrial Strategy. This breadth underscores the
dynamic and increasingly diversified nature of Wales' economic
offer.
Nearly 50 bilateral meetings took place between myself and my
Ministerial colleagues with companies which are either existing
investors or are interested in investing in Wales. UK
Government Ministers including the Chancellor and the Secretary
of State for Business and Trade also attended, demonstrating how
the Welsh and UK Governments are working together for the benefit
of Wales.
Delegates were able to take part in breakout sessions designed to
inform potential investors about the Wales offer in the
spotlighted sectors, hearing from leading voices and experts in
these sectors about the capabilities and potential we have in
Wales, as well as from businesses which have already made a home
in Wales about what made our country such an attractive
destination for their investment.
Delegates were also able to listen to interviews with renowned
economists, investors, and industry leaders on matters such as
the global investment landscape, financing a sustainable future
for Wales, and innovation, talent and opportunity.
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales delivered a keynote
address and met with Welsh companies who were showcasing their
products and services, demonstrating the breadth of innovation
and skills that already exist here and that can support global
supply chains.
In the twelve months prior to the Summit, Wales attracted a
staggering £4.6bn in inward investment. During a year when the UK
witnessed a decline in overall investment levels (in 2024/25),
Wales saw a 23 per cent increase in levels of foreign direct
investment, with 65 new investments and 2,470 new jobs, with
Wales having the second highest percentage increase in projects
of any UK region and the second highest percentage increase in
new jobs. This was surpassed by announcements on the day which
promised a total of £16bn towards job creation and capital
investment projects in coming years.
Since the Summit, officials have been busy following up leads and
fielding calls from businesses keen to continue the conversation
about investment opportunities in Wales. I am confident that in
the period ahead this Welsh Government will be in a position to
make further, significant announcements linked to the Summit and
our clear focus on jobs and growth.
