Wales Office
In the lead-up to next months International Investment Summit in Wales, Stephen Crabb will today (9 October) visit Toyota and ConvaTec in north Wales - two of the most successful international companies in the world to highlight why Wales is a great place to invest and an excellent place to do business.
Between them the companies employ more than 1,150 people in Wales. Toyotas 115 acre engine plant in Deeside supplies engines and components to Toyota plants around the globe. ConvaTec, which produces some of the most innovative medical products in the global marketplace, has three sites in Wales and exports its products to more than 100 countries.
Mr Crabbs visit coincides with the publication of the latest export data for Wales. Figures for the most recent quarter showed the value of Welsh exports increased by more than 5% to 737million.
He will also meet business leaders today at the North Wales CBI where he will set out how the UK government is working with businesses to drive forward the economy across Wales.
Mr Crabb said:
Our long term economic plan to secure a stronger economy for Wales is all about encouraging firms to invest in the country and create jobs.
ConvaTec and Toyota are two global exporting giants that have invested heavily in North Wales over many years. By basing their operations and growing their workforce here, theyre demonstrating how north Wales has become a beacon of export success.
Welsh exports are up and we want next months investment conference to build on this, taking us closer to our target of doubling UK exports by 2020.
I know these are critically important issues for the Welsh economy and I am looking forward to discussing them with business leaders at the North Wales CBI.
The International Investment Summit is being held in Wales from 20-21 November. It will focus on new technologies and will be supported by the UK and Welsh governments including UK Trade and Investment, showcasing Wales and the rest of the UK as an outstanding environment for business growth and investment.
During his visits to Toyota and ConvaTec, Mr Crabb will also undertake tours of the plant and meet with staff and senior executives. He will also meet staff from Toyotas apprenticeship programme.