First Minister Carwyn Jones
Official figures released this morning by the UK Government, show that the value of goods exported from Wales increased by £1.5bn over the past year to £14.8bn – an increase of 11.2% compared to a rise of just 0.4% for the rest of the UK.
The United Arab Emirates is now the third largest export partner for Wales, with companies exporting £1.165 billion worth of goods over the past year, an increase of 84%.
The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said, “At the start of 2013 I set out the most extensive programme of trade missions since devolution. Today’s figures clearly demonstrate the overwhelming success of our approach, with companies in Wales benefitting from substantial increases in exports to every major trading market.”
“Today’s figures add to the growing list of economic indicators that show the Welsh economy clearly outperforming the rest of the UK.”
Minister for the Economy, Science & Transport, Edwina Hart, said, “In addition to helping companies export across the world, our tireless push to promote Wales has led to a significant rise in foreign direct investment, which increased by 191% over the last financial year, compared to a rise of just 10% in England and 16% in Scotland.”
“The announcement last month of the creation of up to 2,000 jobs in Wales by the iconic Pinewood Studios is a clear demonstration that Wales is becoming the location of choice for high quality, global investment projects.”
