MS, Cabinet Secretary for
Economy, Energy and Welsh Language: Today I'm pleased to
publish the Welsh Government's
Approach to Trade Policy.
The purpose of this paper is to set out our approach to trade
policy, its grounding in the Well-being of Future Generations
Act, and explain the cross-cutting policy objectives we believe
the UK government should pursue when negotiating trade
agreements.
Our approach to trade policy is underpinned by our ambition to
increase prosperity in Wales, our values, our wider commitments
to sustainability and our responsibilities through the Well-being
of Future Generations Act. This includes growing our economy
sustainably, enhancing exports and attracting inward investment;
acting as a responsible nation on the global stage; respecting
and protecting human rights; taking action to respond to the
global climate emergency and safeguarding our valued public
services.
In recent years, the trade environment has changed beyond all
recognition. As the world changes, Wales changes with it. Our
prosperity has long depended on trade, with opportunities opening
up around the world and here at home. The collective challenge
for us in Wales is to identify those opportunities and equip
ourselves to take fullest advantage of them to boost the
economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being of Wales.
Whilst only the UK government can enter the whole of the United
Kingdom into trade deals, Welsh Ministers have the power to make
representations to the UK government whilst negotiating trade
agreements and the Senedd has competence to pass laws relating to
the observation and implementation of international obligations.
We have a clear interest in trade deals as they can impact on our
people, places and businesses and create new international
opportunities and obligations.
I'm publishing this paper today to provide the new UK government
with an opportunity to consider our approach to trade policy
before they decide on their own strategy. I look forward to
working closely with the new UK government to help ensure that
trade agreements will enable the people and businesses of Wales
to prosper whilst acting as a platform for constructive
engagement around the environment, consumer standards, human
rights, health, and equality.
