PRESS RELEASE
Figures uncovered by the Welsh Conservatives show that the Welsh Labour Government has racked up over £1.5million on trade missions in the past 18 months.
Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, who uncovered the figures, believes that trade missions have an important role to play in the Welsh economy, but today called on Labour Ministers to provide evidence of their gains.
The figures show that trade missions to Germany cost more than any other country, totalling over £272,000 in the past 18 months, while trips to America cost £230,000.
The cheapest trade mission was to Libya and cost £2,000. The figures also reveal no trade missions to Wales’ closest foreign neighbour, Ireland.
Janet Finch-Saunders said, “Trade missions must be a vital part of any Welsh government’s role in attracting inward investment and winning lucrative foreign contracts for Welsh businesses.
“However, trade missions must have a clear business case and evidence of potential gains for the Welsh economy before being undertaken and must also be followed up to assess the results.
“These figures show that Welsh Labour Ministers are certainly clocking up the air miles, but we must be sure that trade missions are delivering tangible benefits for the Welsh economy.
“While these mission destinations show strong links with France, Germany and America, it is surprising that the Welsh Government has spent more money furthering links with Libya than our nearest overseas neighbour, Ireland.
“We need to see the biggest possible return for Welsh Government investment so destinations for trade missions should be carefully assessed on the potential gains for the Welsh economy.”
Nick Ramsay AM, Shadow Minister for Business, said, “We are in a global race and it is important than Welsh Labour Ministers work hard to sell Wales on the world stage and showcase business expertise so Welsh businesses don’t lose out to foreign competitors.
“Wales remains towards the bottom of the UK league table for inward investment and it is important that the Welsh Labour Government ups its game to increase global opportunities for Welsh businesses.
“While these figures show Welsh Government representatives are travelling widely to promote Wales in economies around the world, we must have evidence that trade missions are reaping economic dividends to help make Wales a more prosperous nation.”
Ends /Diwedd
Notes to Editors / Nodiadau i Olygyddion:
The following answer was provided in response to a question from Janet Finch-Saunders:
Janet Finch-Saunders (Aberconwy): Provided on a country by country basis, what is the total amount spent by the Welsh Government on international trade missions? (WAQ66025)
Edwina Hart AM: Since 2012-13, the EST MEG net expenditure for the coordinated trade programme by country is as follows:
Country
Net Expenditure 2012-13
Net Expenditure 2013-14 (year to date)
Total Expenditure April 2012 to date
Australia
£ 15,894.87
£ 15,894.87
China
£ 152,605.57
£ 39,945.87
£ 192,551.44
Canada
£ 350
£ 5,967.89
£ 6,317.89
France
£ 30,000
£ 216,656.46
£ 246,656.46
Germany
£ 151,889.64
£ 120,937.81
£ 272,827.45
India
£ 9,944
£ 18,985.56
£ 28,930.40
Greece
£ 3,349.20
£ 3,349.20
Israel
£ 10,223.44
£ 10,223.44
Japan
£ 8,414
£ 6,019.67
£ 14,433.67
Libya
£ 2,182.32
£ 2,182.32
Netherlands
£ 15,217.18
£ 15,217.18
Qatar
£ 16,782.25
£ 16,782.25
Qatar & UAE*
£ 35,992.66
£ 35,992.66
Russia
£ 26,860.95
£ 26,860.95
Singapore
£ 3,398.40
£ 3,398.40
Saudi Arabia
£ 9,001.04
£ 9,001.04
South Africa
£ 4,319
£ 4,319
Spain
£ 103,729.22
£ 39,225
£ 142,954.22
Turkey
£ 6,827
£ 6,827
UAE
£ 100,864.75
£ 132,192.12
£ 233,056.87
USA
£ 197,686.98
£ 33,008.78
£ 230,695.76
* Dual centre trade mission – not possible to split costs
In total over £1.5million has been spent on trade missions since April 2012.