Andrew R T Davies, the Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, will give the keynote speech ahead of a special programme of international business seminars at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday 27 June.
Mr Davies, who will be speaking as part of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business Exhibition, will discuss the importance of international trade to the Welsh economy, and give his views on the performance of the Welsh Government in promoting export and attracting inward investment.
He will also give advice to businesses on how they can better interact with politicians and ensure that their voices are heard in the National Assembly.
Graham Morgan, Director of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are delighted that Andrew RT Davies will be able to join us as part of our Annual Business Exhibition.
“Increasing export opportunities is vital to improving the Welsh economy and we hope that these seminars will give businesses a better understanding of how to access the export market, while providing some essential tips to those businesses that already export.
“Mr Davies will be able to give us an insight into what the Welsh Government is doing to improve export opportunities, and how businesses can develop a relationship with the National Assembly to have their voices heard at the highest level.
“These seminars and our Annual Business Exhibition come at the end of our very successful Business Advice Month, which has seen us hold events held all over Wales.”
Andrew RT Davies AM said: “I am delighted to be speaking at the South Wales Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Exhibition and look forward to engaging with the very businesses and organisations that are vital in generating the jobs and wealth that will get the Welsh economy moving.
“Wales has a proud reputation for making high quality goods and producing a highly skilled workforce, but this has to be complemented with the political will to support our home-grown businesses and market Wales abroad.
“The exhibition provides a welcome platform for policymakers and businesses to come together and share their expertise and advice and I look forward to contributing to the debate.”
The South Wales Chamber’s Annual Business Exhibition and the International Seminars are free to attend and start at 10:30am on 27 June. The seminars are:
International Expansion – Key Tax Considerations, sponsored by Deloitte
Finance & Funding for International Growth Plans, sponsored by Lloyds TSB
Dubai – Land of Opportunity, sponsored by Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing
Theresa Williams, Director of Global Employer Services at Deloitte, said: “International expansion is such a key growth opportunity for Welsh businesses. We are pleased to be part of the event and hope that our seminar will help simplify some of the tax complexities associated with moving into overseas markets so that companies do not see tax compliance as a barrier to growth.”
Ciaran Leaden, Director SME Banking Wales for Lloyds TSB, commented: “We are very pleased to be supporting the South Wales Chamber in this particular series of seminars. Gaining access to funding support and the development of relevant skill sets are going to be vital for Welsh entrepreneurs to maximise the opportunities available from international markets. Lloyds TSB is very keen to play a role in facilitating this for SME businesses in our region.”
Ian Scott, Director of the Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to offer advice at the seminar on the business opportunities in Dubai to strengthen the ties between Wales and Dubai for a stronger economic future for both”.
The South Wales Chamber’s Annual Business Exhibition and the International Seminars will take place immediately after the South Wales Chamber’s record-breaking attempt to host the largest facilitated networking event in Wales, which starts at 7.30am.