Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on progress in delivering campaigns to boost Welsh exports as outlined in the New Economic Action Plan?
We are using our Trade and Invest campaign to identify and work with a range of businesses who successfully export from Wales. We are asking these companies to tell the story about how exports have contributed to their success.
These stories are published on our website and social media channels. We have seen an uplift of over 60% of visitors to the site in the past year, with our work on social media delivering 1.9million engagements, that’s clicks, shares, likes and video views.
I have recently approved the budget for the new marketing campaign mentioned in the Economic Action Plan and we are now working through the detail of how this will be delivered. It will use the success of existing exporters in Wales to inspire others in Wales to take up the challenge to take advantage of opportunities in overseas markets and unlock their export potential. This campaign will complement our existing suite of export support services and activities which include the outward-facing Trade and Invest campaign, press releases and social media campaigns to highlight export success stories and in-Wales events, such as the Wales Export Conferences.
Earlier this year, the First Minister and I attended the first Wales Export Conference at Cardiff City Stadium. Attended by more than 120 business delegates, law firms, UK Export Finance and chambers of commerce, the conference covered a range of export topics, bringing together Welsh Government export expertise and businesses.
Using a similar format, the second Wales Export Conference will take place on 24 May at the Quays Hotel in Deganwy.