Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 1:39 pm on 23 March 2022.
Well, I hope you'll condemn this brochure, Minister, because it's vital that Wales is not marketed to external investors as a low-wage economy, and this language certainly does nothing to retain graduates who feel that they do have to get out of Wales to get on in life. Now, of course, it's crucial that, as we develop the Welsh economy post pandemic, the Welsh Government harnesses the unique skills and sectors associated with local areas. And one way to do that is through enterprise zones. It's vital that the enterprise zones align with the priorities agreed in the regional economic frameworks that have recently been published, and it's important we see real outcomes and value for money from the enterprise zones. Minister, I understand that enterprise zones have been through a period of extensive review, which has been informed by discussions with key stakeholders, and which builds on the earlier review undertaken in 2018, according to a recent written statement that you have issued. Can you therefore tell us what the outcomes of that review have been, and can you also confirm today how you're ensuring that each of the enterprise zones is delivering value for money for the Welsh taxpayer?