Welsh Economy Secretary holding Brexit trade talks with North Wales Businesses

Latest statistics show that over 60% of Welsh exports to the value of £10billion are destined for EU countries, and three in every four pounds earned overseas depends on our relationships with EU partners.

The need for more clarity over what will happen post-Brexit is increasingly becoming a concern for businesses within the principality.

Leading North Wales exporters will meet Economy Secretary Ken Skates today to discuss the future of trade for welsh exporters after Brexit.

Aeroplane manufacturer Airbus has already said it may be forced to relocate abroad if businesses are not urgently given more clarity on what they can expect post-Brexit, with particular concerns around paperwork and customs procedures which could create expensive delays, and will join the talks today alongside representatives from Deeside Cereals, Halen Môn, Plas Farm Foods, Qioptiq, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics and Silverlining Furniture Group

The Welsh Government is hoping that any Brexit deal will include continued access to the Single Market and participation in a customs union.

Economy Secretary, Ken Skates said:

“The UK leaving the EU will see the biggest change to our international trading status for a generation. Welsh exports are a key part of our economy, providing jobs and investment and this must not be threatened by Brexit.

“This is why I am again meeting with business leaders from some of Wales’ most prominent exporters to listen to their views on the opportunities and threats posed by Brexit. 

“Events such as this are part of the Welsh Government’s drive to protect and grow our economy.  By listening to the needs of business and relaying these concerns to the UK Government, we are making the argument for a deal that can work for our economy. The Prime Minister has a duty to make sure we have a sensible Brexit that allows Welsh businesses to continue to export to the EU, our biggest market, without any barriers, extra costs or new taxes.

“The event will also provide a chance from us to hear first hand from business about the what they see as the opportunities of Brexit, and this will  help shape how we build on and progress our ongoing work to grow Welsh exports. 

“We will keep doing all we can but what we urgently need now is clarity from the UK Government on the type of Brexit deal they want. It is only this can provide certainty for businesses and allow them to plan for the future.”