Will the Minister provide an update on the Welsh Government’s plan to undertake a gap analysis of specific products that are in high demand in Wales and that could potentially be manufactured in Wales?
The initial focus of the Manufacturing Action Plan delivery group is on products that deliver against our Net Zero ambitions and that will provide long-term demand, enabling investment and the provision of high quality, sustainable jobs.
This includes Fixed and Floating Offshore Wind, the Optimised RetroFit programme, which will improve the energy efficiency of Local Authority and Registered Social Landlord housing stock, and the provision of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure across Wales.
We are applying a Foundational Economy approach to identify not only the required products but local suppliers of those products, initiating discussions with stakeholders to identify gaps that could be filled with local suppliers. Sectors under consideration include Food and Drink, Construction Materials, Transport and Life Sciences.