Part of 1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure – in the Senedd at 1:53 pm on 29 March 2017.
I think the Member makes a very important point in that local authorities have a significant role in promoting economic growth within their respective areas. One of my concerns in my time in this job has been the lack of capacity in some parts of Wales to do just that at a local authority level, and that’s why I commend the approach being taken at a regional level, through the city region and growth deal region areas, to bring together those who are successful in driving local growth and those who are experienced in exporting. Now, what we’ve done in south Wales and in north Wales—and we’re looking to do the same in mid Wales—is to bring together, at a local authority level, those who are responsible for economic development, and those who are experienced in exporting, and reach out to all potential exporters within any given region to make sure that they are being given all of the advice and support needed to take advantage of exports in the future.