3. Statement by the Minister for Economy: Regional Economic Development

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:31 pm on 4 October 2022.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 3:31, 4 October 2022

The requirements for free ports will need to be supported by the host local authority and indeed their economic region. That's part of the condition for the bids to go in. They'll then be assessed by the two Governments, and, as I've said, and I'm more than happy to repeat again, there has to be a commitment to all aspects of that. That includes the Welsh Government's fair work agenda, it includes our environmental standards as well. And bids that don't meet that test won't be successful. And I'm not giving anything away; I'm not prejudicing my position as a decision maker because that's what's in the prospectus, and it means what it says. And I'm interested in how we then measure, as we go on, whether people are doing what they said they'd do at the bidding stage, if and when a free port comes into operation here in Wales, indeed wherever that free port may be. 

I know that the Member will have a particular view about where it should be, but I've yet to receive the bid. And when it comes to that point, I will of course return to this place to explain not just the decision, but I'll be more than happy to answer questions from Members. I'm sure that, while some may be positive about whatever decision is reached, there will be others asking other questions. I do hope that whatever happens, we will get serious investment plans that will allow us to look again at the future of port investment and genuinely generating extra economic growth and activity.