Welsh Secretary Stevens seeks trade boost on visit to Canada and the USA

WELSH Secretary Jo Stevens is travelling to the United States and Canada on a mission to boost trade and investment in Wales.

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The two countries are among the most significant markets for Welsh exports, with goods and services worth more than £2bn destined for the US and Canada each year.

Trade and investment between Wales and North America supports more than 50,000 Welsh jobs, says the Wales Office. With the significant economic links between the countries, the US and Canada provides Welsh businesses with great opportunities to grow and prosper, it believes.

The four-day visit follows the signing of the UK’s economic prosperity deal with the US in May, which the UK Government says will protect businesses and secure jobs across the country, and boost key sectors in Wales like steel, aerospace, car making and life sciences.

Car manufacturer Aston Martin, which has a base in St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan employing at least 600 people, resumed exports to the United States after the successful trade deal.