Part of 1. 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:01 pm on 28 February 2017.
Well, I’m disappointed that you speak of trade missions disparagingly and don’t welcome the trade missions. For example—and I will go on to your point about the US trade mission. But, last week, I’m sure you would welcome the fact that the Cabinet Secretary, Ken Skates, actually had an important visit to China—obviously he’s responsible for economy and transport—with two new investments announced, including Acerchem International establishing an European HQ and R&D facility in Wales with the creation of 38 high-tech jobs, and two new stores in Wales by Flooring REPUBLIC. Of course, there are clear links with the US in terms of the fact that we have not only those US companies based in Wales who are informing our trade mission, but also demonstrating the impact that we can have with a leader, a Welsh Labour First Minister, going to the States, saying that Wales is clearly open for business.