Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 2:26 pm on 1 December 2021.
Thank you, Minister, for that response. As we know, the pandemic has had a substantial impact on the export market across the world. In Wales, for example, the value of goods exports has reduced by £2 billion in the year ending June 2021 compared to the previous year. I recognise the work that your Government is doing to support the export market, such as through the export action plan, as you've just mentioned. Whilst the plan states that the Government is focusing its support on priority sectors, it also notes that the existing strategy's focus on so-called enabling sectors, such as tourism and education, is being revised in light of the impact of the pandemic. Could you, Minister, provide an update on the implementation of the action plan, and the impact that current uncertainties, such as the omicron variant, may have on Welsh exports? Also, how is the Government supporting the development of enabling sectors to help promote them in the wider world? Thank you.