Good and bad news during US trade trip

AMS returned to Cardiff Bay this week and First Minister Carwyn Jones returned to the USA, his second trip in as many weeks, writes public affairs consultancy Deryn.

Meeting with politicians and business leaders in Washington and New York, Mr Jones called for the special relationship to be a vehicle for removing barriers and boosting trade between Wales and the US. His four-day itinerary included meeting firms looking to invest and expand in Wales, and hosting a St David’s Day reception on Capitol Hill for key political figures and investors, as well as a reception in New York to promote the Welsh tourism industry.

The visit was somewhat overshadowed by news of a leaked report which showed Ford was projecting a reduction of 1,160 workers by 2021 at Ford’s engine plant in Bridgend, over alleged working practices which have reduced efficiency.

At the Senedd, Economy Secretary Ken Skates called on Ford to better communicate the longterm plans for the plant to the workforce and for more engagement from the UK Government.

The Welsh Conservatives criticised the Welsh Government after figures showed Welsh exports to north America had almost halved since 2012 when Mr Jones made his first trade mission to the US.

There was some good news from the States, as Mr Jones announced that GE Aviation Wales is set to be the maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for the world’s largest and most fuel-efficient jet engine, GE9X. This is accompanied by £20m of GE investment and will safeguard over 400 jobs in Wales.

Mr Skates set out plans for a North Wales Metro, that is to be supported by ongoing work on the future of local bus services and the new Wales and Borders rail franchise which will be in place from 2018.

Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford updated AMs on the Welsh Government’s Mutual Investment Model. Three major projects are to be delivered through this new form of public-private partnership – completion of the dualling of the A465 from Dowlais Top to Hirwaun, the new Velindre cancer centre and investment in the next phase of the 21st Century Schools programme.

Under the terms of the model, private sector partners will take on risks associated with building, financing and maintaining public infrastructure – but unlike historic PFI deals, the Welsh Government model allows the public sector to share in the profits.