Commenting on the start of the Labour First Minister’s trip to the United States of America to promote Wales, William Graham AM, Shadow Minister for Business, said:
“North America is an important trading partner for Wales and improving trade links further has the potential to bring dividends for the Welsh economy.
“The First Minister must be mindful of accusations of globe-trotting at the taxpayers’ expense and ensure that this trip is productive and results in gains for Welsh businesses.
“Trade missions and trade trips are an important way of securing lucrative contracts for Welsh businesses, but we need to see evidence that the Welsh Government is actually making a positive difference.
“The choice of business leaders accompanying the First Minister in future trade missions is crucial and they should include academics seeking further sponsorship of great Welsh ideas.
“We wish the First Minister well in his trip and urge him to take every opportunity to showcase the Welsh economy, including what our tourist industry can offer to American tourists.
“Following one of Carwyn Jones’ most recent trips to the US, there was a fall in Welsh exports to North America, so let’s hope he’s more successful this time.”
