Written question WQ86597

Welsh Government works closely with the Department for International Trade (DIT) at both ministerial and official level.

At the outset, we engage with DIT on its negotiations of new Free Trade Agreements to ensure these reflect the needs of businesses in Wales. Alongside this, as part of the delivery of our Export Action Plan for Wales, we work in partnership with DIT and the wider export ecosystem to ensure businesses can make the most of the opportunities that trade deals can bring.

Earlier this year, I announced over £4m funding to deliver a major package of support to help Welsh businesses export globally. The funding includes a range of support for businesses to prepare for and maximise opportunities from any new free trade agreements, including one to one support to businesses to undertake market research and regulatory requirements; a programme of webinars on specific exporting topics and markets and support to visit markets through trade missions.

This year, we have supported trade missions to Canada, Japan, Qatar, South Africa and Australia and have further plans to undertake trade activities to Mexico, UAE and Ireland.

Our overseas teams are vital in the delivery of these events, as well as working in partnership with the wider DIT overseas network to maximise the support and opportunities for Welsh businesses in their preparation and whilst in market.