First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones has met some of New Zealand’s top business leaders in an event to promote Wales as a place to invest.
The meeting on September 8 focussed on growing links across sectors such as manufacturing to technology.
Mr Jones said: “Both New Zealand and Wales have a long and proud heritage as primary producers, but are now doing very well in tech, digital and creative industries.
“We share an intense love of sport, which as demonstrated by New Zealand’s hosting of the Rugby World Cup, also provides opportunities for businesses to build bridges and collaborate closer together across international markets.
“We have a business friendly approach in Wales and are investing heavily in infrastructure, including broadband, to create an environment where New Zealand companies can succeed. I know that New Zealand also has a lot to offer in terms of software and information technology as well as creative industries so I see an even closer ties developing in these sectors.”
Mr Jones added that with a population of almost 3 million, Wales, like New Zealand knows what it is like to be a small player competing against larger neighbours.
“Wales has succeeded in the competitive UK market and is home to about 700 overseas-owned companies from major players including Amazon, Sony, Toyota, Ford and International Rectifier. We are very proud too of the Kiwi companies that have worked in Wales including Pingar and Xero.”