3. Statement by the First Minister: Delivering the International Strategy

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:31 pm on 11 November 2020.

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Photo of David Lloyd David Lloyd Plaid Cymru 3:31, 11 November 2020

Can I thank the First Minister very much indeed for this statement on the delivery of the international strategy? I was going to wax lyrical about the Basque Country as well, but, in view of time, I won't say quite so much, other than to mention in passing, obviously, that the Basque language, the Irish language and the Welsh language are always in friendly rivalry as regards which one is the oldest living language in Europe. We're in friendly competition all the time; all sorts of friendly international competitions like that are to be encouraged.

Now obviously, we've discussed the international strategy previously. Can I thank Eluned Morgan for all the meetings as regards that in her previous role? Now we're moving on to delivery rather than just describing—so important in these turbulent times. So there are a couple of specific issues. As regards the Welsh approach to trade and the Cymru-Wales brand, it's good to see Welsh Government pushing the Cymru-Wales brand. Obviously, with Brexit looming, it's more important than ever that we carry out a distinctive Welsh approach to trade, which can all too often be lost within the UK Government's Invest in GREAT Britain strategy. So, can I ask what role does the First Minister see Welsh small and medium-sized enterprises playing in this international strategy for Wales?

Moving on to the Welsh diaspora and the diaspora engagement part of this strategy, this has been described, as the First Minister mentioned, as an underutilised asset. I certainly agree with that, certainly as regards the United States of America. The First Minister, I think, will know that my son and grandson live in Oklahoma, as do around 2 million people of Welsh descent. I recall when I was out in the United States last the Governor of Wisconsin state led the celebrations on St David's Day to recognise the contribution of the 40,000 residents of Wisconsin—Wisconsin only—of Welsh descent. A terrific fuss was made of all things Welsh on 1 March. Now, years ago, there were 300 Welsh language chapels in Wisconsin. Frank Lloyd Wright, the internationally renowned architect, was born and bred into a Welsh-speaking family in a rural Welsh-speaking community—not in Ceredigion like his mother, but in rural Wisconsin.

So the trick is how to turn romantic history into increased trade, using our historic links. In addition to what is mentioned in detail in the documents, twinning is one way. I've mentioned it before to Eluned Morgan, and obviously we've had many formal and informal twinning arrangements over the years, involving towns and villages, and cities, indeed, here in Wales. Now, a couple of years ago, business leaders from Oklahoma were over here and met with Eluned Morgan and myself, wanting to forge links and actually pursue twinning arrangements with Wales—Oklahoma City twinned with Cardiff, and Tulsa, the second city, twinned with Swansea. So, does the First Minister envisage Government delivery involving building on such alliances?

While we're still on the diaspora, obviously, in the documentation, specific and targeted efforts to engage with Welsh diaspora are very welcome indeed, and I recognise the work that's going on. I do find it concerning that the Welsh Government feel that they need to contract out some of the responsibilities to fulfil the business diaspora network and worldwide Welsh diaspora scheme to an external third party, though. Will the First Minister agree with me that actually taking responsibility for engaging with the Welsh diaspora under the control of the Welsh Government directly would be better, in order to attract people back to Wales to work or visit, as well as enabling them to act as ambassadors in their adopted countries? You could replicate that Belfast homecoming, perhaps.

I'll just turn to a couple of final questions, before I finish, on being a globally responsible nation. The point has already been made about deforestation, but that is vitally important. Wales's contribution to the world—. We're all internationally looking outwards. Do you intend, First Minister, to take action on deforestation and eliminate products in global supply chains that are imported into Wales and cause significant damage to the environment elsewhere, such as the deforestation linked to the production of soya meal for livestock and palm oil found in everyday supermarket items? It's not just about planting trees elsewhere; it's also about what we do with damaging products.

My final point is on the arms trade. The action plans also note that Wales aspires to become a nation of sanctuary, committed to promoting human rights, as you've said, and promoting peace and ethical trade—peace particularly on a day such as this, 11 November. In September 2019, the First Minister said he would be reviewing the Welsh Government's presence at one of the world's biggest arms fairs. So, could I ask you, First Minister, to update us on that review of your presence at arms fairs, and also inform us how you will ensure that the international strategy for Wales and the Welsh economy in general don't contribute to global conflicts or to the arms trade, which causes devastation for communities in other parts of the world?