Party of Wales Leader Leanne Wood and Welsh Shadow Economy Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth have today launched their party’s most comprehensive consultation on the future of business in Wales.
The Party of Wales leader Leanne Wood said:
“Most of the focus since the beginning of the recession has largely been placed on the City of London and on UK headline economic indicators.
“Plaid Cymru welcomes all signs of the downturn being reversed, and more people in employment as this shows that confidence is returning to the economy.
“However, the headline figures alone do not give the full picture. Just looking at headline figures risks neglecting an issue of significant importance to Wales: the deep structural and historic flaws in our own economy that even at times of relative UK growth, opportunities for businesses to grow and for people in Wales to secure well-paid, highly skilled jobs are hindered.
“During Plaid Cymru’s Spring Conference, I announced that Plaid Cymru would be engaging in a meaningful consultation with businesses and other representative organisations that would aid us in making Wales the best place in the British Isles to do business and to give business leaders and entrepreneurs an unprecedented role in determining government capital spend so that investment is maximised for the long-term economic good.
“This is that promise being realised.”
Shadow Economy Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth added:
“Plaid Cymru has been proactive in addressing key issues faced by Welsh business and the wider economy. We’ve unveiled plans for a Business Bank for Wales to get capital to growing companies so they can flourish and create jobs. We’ve outlined proposals to create an Overseas Trade Initiative where Welsh export opportunities can be maximised. And in government, we brought together industry and unions to proactively defend Welsh jobs in the middle of a deep recession.
“Today we’re going a stage further. Rather than lecturing to the job-creators of our country, we’re reaching out to them in partnership to seek their views and to hear their ideas for making Wales the best business destination in the British Isles.
“For example, we want business to have a lead role in deciding how major capital is spent on infrastructure and how we can ensure young people enter the labour market with the skills needed for the modern economy.
“From this consultation, Plaid Cymru will be able to unveil a comprehensive and ambitious economic programme as part of our plans for government.”
