Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 1:40 pm on 23 March 2022.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 1:40, 23 March 2022

Well, you're right to say that our enterprise zones strategy needs to make sure that it's aligned with the broader work we're undertaking with partners. And I think, actually, it's a real strength that we're able to have a joint conversation, where the Welsh Government and local authorities in those regional groups and business organisations have a single voice, and it's interesting that that unified and cohesive offer is something that a number of people find attractive, for growth within the UK as well as the potential for inward investment. 

The three enterprise zones that are continuing, based around the three potential port areas of Neath Port Talbot, around Pembrokeshire and, indeed, in north Wales around Holyhead, all have potentially different missions that could all be complementary, and are certainly complementary with the aspirations of each of the regional economic frameworks. And that's how we're looking to make sure we have a complementary approach, rather than a competitive or competing or contradictory approach between what the enterprise zones are doing and their line of sight with those regions. I can provide the Member with extra assurance because I met the three chairs of the enterprise zones that are continuing, and this was part of the discussion that we had.