Wales Has a Global Network Ready to Support its Growth

Engaging the Welsh diaspora is not just about fostering cultural connections. It is a real opportunity to unlock economic potential.  

Our recent research at GlobalWelsh identified more than 500 Welsh-led businesses around the world, many of which are keen to engage with Wales and contribute to its growth. The challenge now is how we turn this goodwill into tangible business relationships that benefit both Wales and its global network. 

The year-long Wales and Japan 2025 initiative offers a case study in what is possible when we take a more outward-looking approach. And it’s one I feel particularly close to, as although I hail from Cwmbran I now work at Toyo Gakuen University, Japan. 

There are clear synergies between the two nations. Both value tradition while embracing modernity, and both have strong commitments to sustainability and innovation. Wales has a compelling offer in sectors such as green energy, environmental conservation, and advanced manufacturing, all of which resonate with Japan’s focus on technology and long-term planning. 

However, making the most of international opportunities requires Wales to be confident in its own strengths. One of the biggest takeaways from our research was that while people in Wales sometimes underplay their capabilities, Welsh products, services, and skills are highly valued globally. Many businesses within the diaspora want to engage with Wales, but they need clearer pathways to do so. That is where organisations like GlobalWelsh can help. 

Our research found that 62% of respondents from the Welsh diaspora are willing to mentor businesses in Wales, offering valuable experience and insight to help companies expand into international markets. But for this to be effective, we need better collaboration between the private sector, government, and organisations like ours. Creating the right connections is vital, and improving engagement with the diaspora could be transformative for SMEs looking to expand beyond the UK. 

For businesses considering new international markets, Japan is an example of where Wales has the potential to build deeper trade relationships. Japanese companies lead the way in areas such as robotics and AI, and there is scope for knowledge exchange, particularly in sectors like healthcare, where Wales is making advances in predictive health modelling and personalised medicine. With Japan facing the challenges of an ageing population, Welsh expertise in areas such as social care and digital health could open the door to collaboration. 

Similarly, language preservation is an area of shared interest. Just as Wales has worked hard to promote the Welsh language, Japan has initiatives to protect its own linguistic heritage. This cultural common ground provides further opportunities to develop links between institutions and businesses. 

Our research found that when Welsh-led businesses overseas consider returning to Wales or investing in the country, they are not primarily concerned about global instability. Instead, they are focused on what Wales has to offer – how well it markets itself, the support available for inward investment, and the strength of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This suggests that while uncertainty in international trade will always be a factor, what matters most is how Wales positions itself and builds on its strengths. 

The Welsh diaspora is a powerful but underutilised asset. By improving the way we engage with global networks and by fostering stronger international partnerships, Wales can expand its economic reach. The businesses and entrepreneurs who want to contribute to Wales’ future success are already out there. We just need to open the door.