The Vice Premier and a delegation of vice-Ministers and ambassadors are visiting Wales for two days, following the UK-China High Level Economic Financial Dialogue, which was held in London yesterday.

China is one of Wales’ most important export markets. Welsh exports to China were worth £379m in 2018 – a 21% increase compared to 2017. China is ninth in terms of Wales’s top export destinations.

There are around 15 Chinese-owned companies in Wales, employing some 2,500 people. This includes Northern Automotive Systems in Gilwern; TongFang Global, in Bridgend; Shunxi Stem Cell Engineering, in Swansea and Acerchem in Port Talbot.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the First Minister said:

I’m very pleased to welcome Vice-Premier Hu and his delegation to Wales. Wales has long-standing and strong economic, cultural and educational links with China and I look forward to building on these during the Vice Premier’s visit.

Minister for International Relations Eluned Morgan added:

China is one of Wales’ most important export markets. As the world’s second largest economy, China is a global economic powerhouse. We are determined to ensure Welsh companies are in the best position possible to build on the export opportunities available in one of the strongest economies in the world.

This evening, the Vice Premier will hold a bilateral meeting with the First Minister and members of the Welsh Government’s Cabinet, followed by a banquet to honour the Vice Premier’s visit to Wales, which will be attended by representatives from Welsh business, academia, arts, culture and sport who are working with or in China.

On Wednesday, the Vice Premier will visit a farm with the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths, to showcase the quality, reliability, traceability and excellent security of Welsh beef and lamb and see how Welsh farmers are adopting sustainable farming methods.