Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens heads to US and Canada to strengthen trade and investment ties
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens heads to US and Canada to strengthen trade and investment ties
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Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens is visiting North America this week (22–25 July) in a concerted effort to attract greater trade and inward investment into Wales. Her visit to Toronto and New York aims to capitalise on strong existing economic ties and promote Wales as a dynamic and attractive destination for international business.
The United States and Canada remain two of the most significant export markets for Welsh goods and services, with annual exports to both countries valued at over £2 billion. In total, trade and investment between Wales and North America supports more than 50,000 Welsh jobs.
This trip follows the UK’s recent economic prosperity agreement with the United States, signed in May. The deal is designed to protect jobs across several key sectors, including steel, life sciences, aerospace and automotive manufacturing.
One of the key success stories linked to the trade deal is Aston Martin, which has resumed exports to the US from its St Athan facility in the Vale of Glamorgan, where it employs at least 600 people. As part of her visit, Stevens will attend the opening of Aston Martin’s new showroom in New York and meet with company executives.
“There are strong and important economic and cultural ties between Wales and North America and it is fantastic to be able to promote these and help strengthen them further,” said Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales.
“The UK Government has made economic growth our key mission and our new trade deal with the United States delivers fantastic benefits for our key businesses like Aston Martin and for working people across Wales.
“I want to build on this progress and while I am in the USA and Canada I will be discussing further opportunities for investment in Wales with companies like Aston Martin.
“My message is very clear – Wales is open for business.”
The visit aligns with the UK Government’s newly published Industrial Strategy and builds momentum ahead of the Investment Summit in Wales this December, which will bring together global investors to explore new business opportunities across the country.
Stevens’ itinerary includes a series of high-level engagements with business and cultural leaders:
- Hosting a reception for business leaders at Aston Martin’s New York showroom
- Leading a roundtable meeting in Toronto with Canadian manufacturing and industry stakeholders
- Attending a business breakfast with real estate and sports economy investors in New York
- Meeting with individual investors such as Vale Mining
- Attending a reception in Toronto for business and cultural groups with links to Wales
“From sports economy firms to the automotive industry, Wales plays a key role in the UK economy, and has strong trade and investment ties with Canada and the United States,” said Alan Gogbashian, Deputy Trade Commissioner for North America.
“It’s fantastic to host the Secretary of State for Wales in New York and Toronto this week to engage with current transatlantic businesses including Aston Martin, and to connect with potential investors ahead of the Investment Summit in Wales later this year.”
Jo Stevens is scheduled to arrive in Toronto on 22 July before continuing on to New York City, returning to the UK on 25 July.
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