Wales attracts £4.6bn of global inward investment in the last year
Cymru yn denu £4.6bn o fewnfuddsoddiad byd-eang yn ystod y flwyddyn ddiwethaf
As more than 300 senior industry and business leaders prepare to gather in Newport to explore exciting investment opportunities across Wales, it has been revealed the country has attracted £4.6bn of inward investment in the last year.
The Wales Investment Summit, being staged by the Welsh Government at the International Convention Centre Wales (ICCW) on Monday 1 December, will attract global investors from 27 countries to experience the nation's world-leading innovation in a first of its scale event since Wales hosted the NATO Summit in 2014.
Since then, Wales has seen dramatic growth in new industries which have flourished in the last decade – such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, semiconductors and creative sectors.
Global investors, business leaders, and Welsh companies will come together to showcase opportunities and forge partnerships as part of the First Minister’s ambition to secure major investment that will deliver long-term prosperity and more quality, sustainable jobs for Wales.
Of the 250 companies expected to attend, 150 of these will be new to Wales.
Among the famous Welsh faces helping First Minister Eluned Morgan provide a warm croeso to delegates will be Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas and television presenter, Alex Jones.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said:
"In the year since I announced this summit would be happening, Wales has attracted around £4.6bn of inward investment from around the world.
“Events like this provide crucial focus for business and government to work together and make deals that will benefit communities the length and breadth of Wales.
"Wales offers a compelling investment proposition thanks to our world-class infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a strategic location that provides access to major UK and European markets.
“We're creating the conditions for businesses to succeed and grow, and Wales is attracting global investment like never before.”
There are currently 1,545 foreign-owned businesses active in Wales, employing more than 176,500 people across the nation.
In 2024–25, Wales secured 65 Foreign Direct Investment projects – a 23% increase year-on-year and the second highest growth in the UK. These projects created 2,470 new jobs and safeguarded 1,652 more, the highest of any part of the UK.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said:
"From semiconductors in Newport to renewable energy projects across our coastlines, Wales is at the forefront of the industries that will define the next decade.
“Our role as government is to work in partnership with businesses, removing barriers and creating the right conditions for investment to flourish.
"The companies attending the summit will see first-hand why Wales is the smart choice – and we're ready to turn conversations into commitments.”
Notes to editors
Operational Note – *not for publication, broadcast or use on social media*
Event: WALES INVESTMENT SUMMIT 2025
Date: Monday 1st December, 2025
Time: 8am – 5pm
Location: International Conference Centre Wales, NP18 1HQ
Key features of the day:
- Press Conference by the First Minister from 10.30
- Welsh and UK Government addresses on policy direction and economic growth.
- Panel discussions with international companies on why they invest in Wales.
- Sector showcases led by businesses who are thriving in Wales.
- Fireside chats with leading global economists
- Keynote speakers and some of the delegates are available for interviews both in advance of and at the Summit.
All media must be accredited and registered for the event and should contact Golley Slater to do this.
Please also inform them of any interviews you would like on the day.
You will need to provide names of all those wishing to attend and registration of any vehicles, and which media organisation you are from.
Media attending on the day must also bring along the confirmation accreditation email and a driving license or passport for ID checks.
Please allow enough time for security checks when you arrive.
Please note media attendance at the event must be organised in advance.
Contacts for media accreditation and to secure media interviews with speakers:
- Katie Lloyd – Golley Slater – klloyd@golleyslater.co.uk – 07841 508429
- Jemma Gabb – Golley Slater – Jgabb@golleyslater.co.uk – 07484 807022
The following events are also taking place around the Wales Investment Summit, which media may be welcome to attend. Please contact Katie and Jemma for more information.
Geraint Thomas Velodrome Track Cycling
Under the guidance of British Cycling qualified instructors, delegates will develop cycling skills, mastering techniques like "Ride a Wheel" and competing in exciting events such as the 500m Time Trial and Australian Road Man Pursuit.
VIP Golf Experience at the Iconic Twenty Ten Ryder Cup
This event offers delegates behind-the-scenes Ryder Cup stories and the chance to compete in the "Summit Stableford."
They will experience the complete Twenty Ten course, including the famous final stretch where Europe clinched Ryder Cup victory in 2010.
Breaking Boundaries: Welsh Pioneers in Sport & Adventure
A session bringing together remarkable individuals who have achieved historic firsts, offering a unique opportunity to connect with their stories of determination, innovation, and resilience:
- Baroness Grey-Thompson: Breaking barriers in sport and politics.
- Richard Parks: Reinventing himself after a career-ending injury.
- Laura McAllister: Leading advocate for gender equality in sports.
- Harrison Walsh - paralympic athlete and ex rugby player who turned into a medal-winning discus player after an injury.
Chef's Table: Taste of Wales
The Chef's Table offers an intimate setting where delegates can witness the artistry of acclaimed Welsh chefs Tom Simmons or Hywel Griffith and participate in the creation of exquisite dishes that celebrate Wales' exceptional culinary heritage.