The Honorary Consul for Japan in Wales is set to attend State Banquets for The Emperor and Empress of Japan.
Keith Dunn OBE, from Shirenewton in Chepstow, has been invited to a State Banquet being given by the King at Buckingham Palace, as well as another hosted by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation at the Guildhall.
He said:
“There is much to celebrate with our strong link with Japan and I am delighted as Honorary Consul in Wales to be representing Wales at these significant events. As an Honorary Consul my duties include providing support for Japanese companies, promoting an understanding of Japan, helping Japanese citizens in emergencies, oversee cultural events and fostering good relations with various organisations, including the Welsh Government and regional authorities.”
There are currently more than 60 Japanese owned companies operating in Wales – including Sony, Sharp, Toyota, GS Yuasa, and Princes Soft Drinks – employing more than 8,400 people.
Welsh exports to Japan have risen significantly in recent years, with £1 billion worth of Welsh goods heading to Japan over the last five years. In 2023 Welsh exports to Japan were worth more than £218 million and imports to Wales from Japan £521 million. 3.7% of Wales’s imports come from Japan.
Some of the produce that Wales exports to Japan include Welsh lamb, Anglesey sea salt, Carmarthen ham, Conwy mussels, Pembrokeshire early potatoes, traditional Welsh Caerphilly cheese, traditional Welsh cider, laver bread, Welsh beef, Welsh wine, bottled water and Welsh Whisky.
This will be the first Japanese state visit to the UK since 1998, with a visit planned for 2020 cancelled because of the Covid pandemic.
