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The Welsh Government has joined an alliance of regional governments from across Europe working together to boost the semiconductor industry.

It means Wales becomes one of the 27 regions of the European Semiconductor Regional Alliance (ESRA).

Semiconductors are tiny components are used in electronics and computers, ranging from household appliances to military equipment. The UK Government has labelled the sector one of its five “technologies of tomorrow”.

ESRA will work with the European Union to promote the semiconductor industry globally, and will focus on developing new technologies and applications, as well as promoting education and training programmes.

It will also promote regional “clusters”, like the one in south-east Wales which includes several factories in Newport.

Following the signing of the Declaration, Wales’ Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “The Welsh Government is ambitious for the semiconductor sector in the south-east of Wales and the objectives of the ESRA align with our Programme for Government and our Innovation Strategy, published earlier this year.

“Joining the ESRA will provide new opportunities for Welsh companies to embed themselves in European supply chains, support innovation, collaboration and ultimately create a more resilient semiconductor sector.”

Signing on behalf of the Welsh Government, Wales’ Representative on Europe, Derek Vaughan said: “Europe remains Wales’ closest and most important trading partner, and our new membership of the European Semiconductor Regional Alliance will support our international strategy as we maintain a close and positive relationship with the European Union.”