As the First Minister undertakes the first of the Welsh Government’s 16 proposed trade missions in 2013, Welsh Conservatives have called on him to deliver for Wales.
Yesterday, the First Minister travelled to Turkey in the first of six trips that he will personally undertake this year. He will also travel to Ireland this month, San Francisco in February, New York in March, Japan in June and India in October.
A written question has also revealed 10 other trips to be undertaken by Welsh Ministers between now and August including Libya, Cannes and the China International Medical Equipment Fair.
The 16 trips total 94,356.46 miles from Wales or 151,852 kilometres.
It comes as recent figures showed a decline in exports over the past 12 months of £200million.
Leader of the Opposition, Andrew RT Davies AM said, “Trade missions have the potential to bring considerable investment into Wales, but too often the First Minister seems to come back empty handed.
“The First Minister undertook three trade missions in the last two years, yet exports actually fell by £200million.
“The First Minister needs to show that these trade missions are going to bring back substantial rewards for the Welsh economy.
“Welsh Labour Ministers have admitted that in the past they have not got the brand of Wales right and have failed to effectively sell what our nation has to offer.
“Wales has a proud reputation for making high quality goods, but this is under threat from a lack of political will to support our home-grown businesses and market Wales abroad.
“The First Minister must demonstrate that his globe-trotting serves a purpose and amounts to more than hunting winter sun.”
Nick Ramsay AM, Shadow Minister for Enterprise, Technology & Science, said, “Welsh Labour Ministers will certainly be clocking up the air miles over the coming months – almost 100,000 of them in fact.
“I just hope that hard-pressed taxpayers get some results for all these trips around the globe.
“At a time when the Welsh economy needs action to stimulate growth and jobs, Welsh Labour Ministers should be leaving no stone unturned in efforts to secure investment and potential for job creation.
