Wales’ global reach extends far to the Middle East
Cyrhaeddiad byd-eang Cymru yn ymestyn ymhell i’r Dwyran Canol
The Welsh Government’s new envoy to the United Arab Emirates will play a key role in strengthening Wales’ global presence, Economy Minister Ken Skates has said.
The appointment of Paul Gyles will help drive capital investment and promote Welsh exports to the United Arab Emirates which is an important global business hub.
Paul is a Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA) with over 30 years’ experience working with market leading companies across UK, Middle East and Asia. He has lived in Dubai in the UAE since 2003 and is the fourth envoy to be appointed by the Welsh Government since the launch of the international strategy which aims to raise the profile of the nation around the world.
Through working with established and high profile individuals, the Welsh Government hopes to spark and increase the engagement of the Welsh diaspora, which is made up of alumni and friends of Wales in other countries.
Minister for Economy Ken Skates said:
“This is a challenging time and one when we are all seeking to navigate the opportunities, challenges and complexities of the UK leaving the EU and the ongoing difficulties associated with the coronavirus pandemic.
“Paul will be extolling Wales’ virtues as a first class trading partner, an excellent tourism destination, a diverse cultural partner and a great place to live, study and do business.
“Our Economic Action Plan is clear about our commitment to prioritising exports and trade, and to helping businesses retain their existing trading partners while branching out into other global markets. There is no doubt that it is a hugely significant market and one which has much to offer our exporters.”
Paul Gyles FCMA CGMA said:
“I am honoured to be appointed as a Welsh Government Envoy representing Wales in the Middle East. I will do my best to help promote Wales within this region, both in terms of driving capital investment opportunities to Wales, as well as supporting companies looking to export into this region.
“In such a challenging economic environment it’s a really exciting time to open new doors for businesses and I’m immensely proud to be part of the development of a worldwide, Welsh business network.”
Notes to editors
Wales is a constituent country of the United Kingdom. We have 21 international offices in 12 countries. The offices are responsible for trade and investment, government relations, tourism, culture and education. For information on our overseas presence, contact details and locations visit Trade and Invest Wales.
The Welsh Government Envoy initiative will engage with Welsh individuals, or individuals with a strong affinity to Wales, who are at the very top of their fields. We have secured the support a small network of highly successful men and women with an international profile who will offer in-market support for our export and inward investment ambitions whilst also playing a wider role in raising awareness of Wales and promoting areas of Welsh excellence. The purpose of the envoy initiative is to:
- Raise Wales’s global profile;
- Open doors and secure opportunities for the benefit of Wales;
- Support Welsh Government activity, both domestically and overseas.
Welsh Government envoy is an unpaid role but individuals are reimbursed for any travel and subsistence costs associated to their role.
In profile – Paul Gyles FCMA CGMA
Paul Gyles is a Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA) with over 30 years experience working with market leading companies across UK, Middle East and Asia. He has lived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 2003.
He is the Chief Financial Officer for Shamal, a development and investment company based in UAE. He has also previously held other C-suite roles in the Real Estate and Construction sector including regional development companies such as Meraas and Dubai Holding, and ISG, the British construction services group.
Paul is on the Board of the The British Business Group (BBG) for Dubai and the Northern Emirates. He is also on the CIMA Regional Advisory Board for Middle East South Asia North Africa (MESANA) region, as well as being a CIMA Membership Assessor for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
He is a past winner of the CFO of the Year for the Middle East Real Estate and Construction Sector, and recently included in the NAFA CFO Powerlist for Middle East CFO’s.