The Newport Economy

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy – in the Senedd at 1:40 pm on 13 July 2022.

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Photo of Natasha Asghar Natasha Asghar Conservative 1:40, 13 July 2022

Minister, I recently visited Newport docks to discuss the potential of a bid by Associated British Ports for a free port to be established in south Wales. As you know, in May, it was announced that the UK and Welsh Governments had come to an agreement to collaborate and deliver a new free port in Wales, backed by £26 million in UK Government funding to support the regeneration of communities by attracting new businesses and jobs and investment. Having met Michael Gove to discuss levelling-up in the United Kingdom, I explored the possibility of Associated British Ports making a bid for a free port based in Newport. Believe it or not, I actually did. For such a bid to succeed, it will require all stakeholders, namely ABP, local authorities and the Welsh Government, to work closely together in developing the best possible case for a south Wales free port. Minister, will you commit to working closely in partnership with these stakeholders to progress a bid, and what discussions have you already perhaps had with ministerial colleagues about bringing these new jobs and opportunities to Newport that you just spoke of? Thank you.