Welsh companies, National Opera visit China

Soprano Rebecca Evans sings as the Prince of Wales attends a 70th anniversary gala concert for Welsh National Opera conducted by Carlo Rizzi at the Buckingham Palace, London on July 2, 2016. [File Photo: IC]

A number of Welsh companies are travelling to China to promote Welsh products and Wales as a place of business and culture.

According to a Welsh Government press release, the Economy Secretary Ken Skates will be joined by companies including Aircovers in Wrexham, Cradoc's Savoury Biscuits in Brecon and Teddington Engineered Solutions in Llanelli who will form part of one of the largest Welsh trade delegations to travel to China in 10 years.

And to showcase Wales' vibrant cultural scene, the Welsh National Opera will join the Economy Secretary and the Welsh companies at a special business reception in Hong Kong.

Mr. Skates said:

"I am pleased to have another opportunity to visit China to build on our already strong links with a country that currently boasts one of the strongest economies in the world."

"Along with a 25 company strong trade delegation, I will be extolling Wales' virtues as a first class  trading partner, an excellent tourism destination, a diverse cultural partner and a great place to live, study and do business.”

"Our new Economic Action Plan is clear about our commitment to prioritising exports and trade,  and to helping businesses retain their existing trading partners while supporting them to branch out into other global markets."

"And as we all seek to navigate the opportunities, challenges and complexities of Brexit, it is more important than ever that we reach out to China and our other international partners to build a stronger and fairer economy from all."

The news comes after we revealed yesterday that Welsh exports to China have grown significantly from nearly £194m in 2012 to nearly £313m in 2017.

Responding to that news, Mr Skates said:

"I want to see those figures grow further."