International relations annual report 2024 to 2025 - 1. Overview

Wales is an outward-looking nation. In these globally challenging and uncertain times, we remain committed to forging international connections and partnerships that attract jobs, investment and opportunities.

We are a small nation but increasingly mighty in our impact and seen as a global innovator, particularly in sustainable development. As we mark 10 years of the Well-being of Future Generations Act, our work is shaping actions by the United Nations and the European Union.

It has been 5 years since we published the Welsh Government’s International Strategy. It was a bold statement of intent, a commitment to work across a number of areas to raise the profile of our country, to grow the economy and to tell the world that we are a globally responsible nation willing to play our role in future defining challenges and opportunities.

Our diplomacy model is unique. Our Team Cymru approach ensures collaboration across government and with partners to maximise impact and benefits. I particularly want to pay tribute to our overseas network. These small teams based across the world – almost always co-located within British embassies and high commissions – facilitate engagement on a range of objectives from trade and investment to policy, engage with diaspora and showcase the best of Wales during moments such as St David’s Day.

We work together overseas to make a difference at home. Our 2024 Wales in India Year saw an agreement reached with the Chief Minister of Kerala that has seen health professionals recruited and working in Welsh hospitals.

This report sets out the activity and outcomes that have been achieved over the last year. However, I am very clear that my focus is on what lies ahead. This year, I published the International Delivery Plan, setting out the 15 areas of activity where I will concentrate our efforts over the next year.

2025-2026 will be a huge year for Wales on the international stage. Our women’s football team will compete in Switzerland at the European Championships - its first major international tournament - and we will host an Investment Summit which will showcase Wales as a prime destination for investment and job creation. These are major opportunities – and there will be others – that will tell the world about our country, inspire new generations and create opportunities for people at home.

Eluned Morgan MS
First Minister of Wales

2024-2025 has focused on strengthening international relations, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and promoting Welsh culture globally. This report - the fourth annual report covering the work of the Welsh Government’s International Relations and Trade department - encapsulates the key achievements and challenges faced by our international offices throughout the year and serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives undertaken to advance our goals, promote Wales on the world stage, develop our international relations, sell Wales as a destination for inward investment and support Welsh companies to export their goods and services overseas. Following on from last year’s report, it includes information about the Wales and Africa programme and how the programme has changed its scope to a broader Global Responsibility agenda.

Significant geopolitical shifts in 2024-2025 have influenced Wales' approach to international relations and trade. The evolving landscape of global politics, characterised by changing alliances, trade agreements, and economic policies, has presented both opportunities and challenges for Wales. The Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel in early October 2023, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the escalation of conflict across the wider Middle East have increasingly dominated the foreign policy challenges faced by the UK and this impact has been felt in Wales. As the conflict has gone on, there has been an increased focus on the non-devolved nature of foreign policy.

Geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe, particularly the conflict in Ukraine, highlighted the importance of solidarity and support among democratic nations, whilst Wales has participated in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, reflecting its commitment to global responsibility.

This report covers 2024-2025, so the effect of tariffs imposed by the USA on its trading partners in April 2025 are not covered; however, it is clear that 2025-2026 will see a restructuring of trade relationships and supply chains worldwide. Welsh exporters may have to navigate the complexities of increased tariffs, re-evaluate their trade strategies and explore alternative markets to mitigate the impact of these tariffs. The Welsh Government will support businesses, providing resources and guidance to help them remain competitive in the global market.

The impact of climate change remains a critical issue, influencing geopolitical decisions and international collaborations. Wales has continued to advocate for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, aligning its policies with global initiatives to combat climate change.

St David's Day was celebrated across the world, showcasing Welsh heritage and strengthening bilateral relationships.

In North America, the Washington DC office hosted a reception at Madison Hall of the Library of Congress, marking 10 years of the Friends of Wales Caucus. In New York and Chicago, receptions were held for Welsh diaspora, key stakeholders, government representatives, educators, and business leaders, and also promoted the recent launch of Wrexham Lager in the US, whilst the Los Angeles office hosted a dinner at the Consul General’s Residence, attended by 30 tech and creative professionals from companies such as HBO, Fox, Disney and Paramount. The Canada office celebrated with the new British High Commissioner to Canada, Rob Tinline, at the Consul General’s Residence in Toronto. The event featured Welsh products like Penderyn, Snowdonia Cheese, Welsh Lady Preserves, and Drop Bear Beer.

In Europe, Ireland focused on reinforcing the Wales-Ireland relationship through a series of events, including a visit to Dublin by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales who attended the Royal Irish Academy’s International Women’s Day event and the IACES Annual Lecture.

The First Minister visited Brussels and Paris, where her programme included the annual St David's Day reception – with a theme centred around peace - whilst the team in Germany hosted investment-focussed receptions in Düsseldorf and Berlin.

In the Middle East, the Dubai office hosted a St David's Day networking event at the British Embassy, showcasing Welsh lamb, for companies visiting Gulfood and local diaspora. Additionally, a St David's Day event including an International Women’s Day panel was held in Doha, with 108 attendees and featuring work by Welsh artists.

India celebrated the culmination of the Wales in India 2024 year with events across Mumbai and New Delhi and a visit by the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services. The Japan office hosted a reception at the Ambassador’s residence for businesses, where the Urdd performed. Additionally, a special Eki stamp rally at the Himeji Castle was held, with over 700 Japanese consumers participating. In China, St David's Day events varied in focus - Beijing focused on Welsh alumni and diaspora, whilst Shanghai celebrated with businesses. In Chongqing, a joint celebration was held with the Chongqing Consulate, which secured the attendance of HM Ambassador.

There have been no changes to the overseas network. The table below show our offices by region.

Asia

• Beijing
• Chongqing
• Shanghai
• Bangalore
• Mumbai
• New Delhi
• Tokyo

Europe

• Brussels
• Berlin
• Düsseldorf
• Dublin
• Paris
• London

North America

• Atlanta
• Chicago
• New York
• Los Angeles
• Washington DC
• Montréal

Middle East

• Doha
• Dubai