Fay Jones MP has welcomed the Secretary of State for International Trade, Liz Truss MP to Newton Farm near Brecon, as she announced the creation of a new trade and investment hub in Cardiff.
The International Trade Secretary announced four major new trade and investment hubs will be established in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast and Darlington to boost trade and investment and level-up the country.
The trade hubs are being established as part of a new strategy to boost exports and bring the benefits of the government’s global trade policy to the whole of the UK, including benefits from future free trade agreements with the US, Australia, New Zealand and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Liz Truss visited the farm in Brecon to discuss how Welsh businesses and farmers can benefit from future free trade agreements. The new hubs will enable exporters to have a direct feed into UK trade policy and can better take advantage of opportunities in fast-growing markets like the Indo-Pacific region.
During the visit, the Secretary of State heard the concerns of the livestock sector. Representatives from Kepak joined the meeting to discuss the importance of future trade deals as well as the sector’s reliance on non UK labour.
Fay Jones MP said:
“I was delighted to welcome the International Trade Secretary to Brecon today, it was a great opportunity for her to see our top-quality Welsh produce, meet local farmers and see first-hand what Brecon and Radnorshire has to offer the world. I’m really grateful to Helen, Richard and the Roderick family for hosting the Secretary of State on farm today.
“All the farmers I know are always looking for ways to future proof their business and expand their market. It is great to see Liz Truss listen to what they need to go global in the future. The Secretary of State heard the concerns of the red meat sector loud and clear. I will continue to use my role to ensure that livestock farmers have everything they need for their businesses to thrive.
“I welcome the announcement of a new trade and investment hub in Cardiff and I look forward to businesses in Brecon and Radnorshire benefitting from the access and expertise it will provide.”
International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss said:
“I’m determined to use UK trade policy to benefit every part of the UK. These Trade and Investment Hubs will help this country to an export and jobs-led recovery.
“They will mean we can channel investment into all corners of the country, and that exporters – whether they’re selling Scotch beef, Welsh Lamb or cars made in the North of England – have access to the expertise they need to sell into the fastest growing markets.
“550 staff are expected to be present in the hubs by 2025, with an ambition to increase this to 750 staff by 2030. An existing Department for International Trade Hub in Edinburgh announced in September last year, will see a significant increase in headcount following its relaunch today.”
