Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister
On 1 December, I welcomed nearly 350 delegates from 29 countries into Wales for the Wales Investment Summit at the International Convention Centre Wales. The Summit was a major opportunity to present Wales as a prime destination for high-value international investment and to demonstrate the collective strengths of our economy, our businesses, our universities and colleges, and our communities. More than 150 of the companies and organisations which attended do not currently have a presence in Wales.
My goals for this Summit were:
• To raise the profile of Wales as a dynamic and sustainable economy, showcasing how we respond to global business drivers and promote growth, green jobs, and decarbonisation.
• To present Wales as a hub of UK excellence, highlighting priority sectors, places and clusters demonstrating that Wales is as an outstanding investment destination within the UK.
• To position Wales, and a focussed range of local and regional project opportunities across areas such as regeneration, energy and infrastructure, as an attractive commercial proposition for private sector finance.
• And to link investors to future opportunities, ensuring the Summit acts as a catalyst for new investment and long-term economic partnerships.
The Summit spotlighted six sectors where Wales is already leading the way, and which are primed for growth: tech and digital, life sciences, compound semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, creative industries, and clean energy. These align well with the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy. This breadth underscores the dynamic and increasingly diversified nature of Wales’ economic offer.
Nearly 50 bilateral meetings took place between myself and my Ministerial colleagues with companies which are either existing investors or are interested in investing in Wales. UK Government Ministers including the Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade also attended, demonstrating how the Welsh and UK Governments are working together for the benefit of Wales.
Delegates were able to take part in breakout sessions designed to inform potential investors about the Wales offer in the spotlighted sectors, hearing from leading voices and experts in these sectors about the capabilities and potential we have in Wales, as well as from businesses which have already made a home in Wales about what made our country such an attractive destination for their investment.
Delegates were also able to listen to interviews with renowned economists, investors, and industry leaders on matters such as the global investment landscape, financing a sustainable future for Wales, and innovation, talent and opportunity.
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales delivered a keynote address and met with Welsh companies who were showcasing their products and services, demonstrating the breadth of innovation and skills that already exist here and that can support global supply chains.
In the twelve months prior to the Summit, Wales attracted a staggering £4.6bn in inward investment. During a year when the UK witnessed a decline in overall investment levels (in 2024/25), Wales saw a 23 per cent increase in levels of foreign direct investment, with 65 new investments and 2,470 new jobs, with Wales having the second highest percentage increase in projects of any UK region and the second highest percentage increase in new jobs. This was surpassed by announcements on the day which promised a total of £16bn towards job creation and capital investment projects in coming years.
Since the Summit, officials have been busy following up leads and fielding calls from businesses keen to continue the conversation about investment opportunities in Wales. I am confident that in the period ahead this Welsh Government will be in a position to make further, significant announcements linked to the Summit and our clear focus on jobs and growth.