Welsh open door to Australian businesses in Europe
Welsh open door to Australian businesses in Europe
The Welsh Development Agency (WDA) has appointed two full time consultants to attract Australian companies looking to expand business plans in the U.K. and Europe.
The WDA, sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government, is the first port of call for Australian companies searching for new global markets. The U.K. is the second largest destination for outward investment for Australia.
In the past, the WDA has been active in Australia for nine years, and in that time, it has helped Australian companies such as BHP Billiton, Air International, Hills Industries, Sims Group and GreenGas establish bases in Wales as a springboard into Europe.
Keith Palmer has been appointed as vice president of Australia & New Zealand for WDA in Sydney, and he will be supported by Rhodri Tudor-Jones who will also be a vice president. Rhodri Tudor-Jones will join the WDA from the Welsh Assembly Government, where he worked as a private secretary to the Finance Minister.
Keith Palmer explained how Wales' recent image change would benefit Australian companies. "For many, Wales still conjures images of coal mining, male-voice choirs and Tom Jones. However, this is not at true reflection of Wales today. The last two decades has seen a reinvention of the Welsh economy and its position in Europe and is home to both traditional industries and thriving 'new economy' technologies.
"Wales offers Australian businesses a number of key business advantages including tariff free access to Europe, a highly skilled workforce and some of the most attractive levels of financial assistance available in Europe. The increased team in Australia will ensure we can work closely with Australian companies to highlight why Wales offers the best business climate in Europe."
There are currently more than 500 foreign-owned companies that have invested more than $A36.97 billion in the WDA since 1983, which has created 237,800 jobs.
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