The Welsh Government is preparing to host a major International Investment Summit that could deliver significant economic benefits for Wales, with particular focus on attracting companies and investors who currently have no presence in the country.
Major Gathering of International Investors
Scheduled for Monday at the ICC Wales in Newport, the summit represents a key initiative from First Minister Eluned Morgan. The event will bring together more than 1,500 delegates from 250 companies, including private equity firms and pension funds with billions in available capital.
Critically, 60% of attending firms – representing 150 companies – currently have no business operations in Wales, providing a substantial opportunity to expand the nation's international business footprint.
Key Projects Seeking Investment
The Welsh Government has prepared a comprehensive prospectus of investment opportunities, including several high-profile projects already in the marketplace. Among the most significant is the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) in the Dulais Valley, which aims to become the world's first integrated testing facility for both trains and rail infrastructure.
Another major project seeking investment is the £450 million Advanced Radioisotope Technology for Health Utility Reactor, designed to secure the UK's long-term supply of medical radioisotopes. While private sector interest exists for the GCRE, commitment levels have fallen short, potentially requiring additional Welsh Government funding.
The summit will also promote energy and data centre opportunities on a 500-hectare site, where land deals could help bridge the funding gap for the £400 million project.
Property Development Opportunities
Several property investment opportunities will be showcased, including developments in Swansea and subsequent phases of the Pentre Awel scheme in Llanelli. A prime undeveloped land site on the south side of Callaghan Square in central Cardiff will also be promoted to potential investors.
This Cardiff site, acquired by the Welsh Government from developer MEPC over a decade ago, could feature a mixture of new office, residential, leisure and retail space. Its appeal is expected to be enhanced by inclusion in a new UK Government-backed investment zone covering Cardiff and Newport, which is projected to secure £160 million of support over the next decade.
However, current market conditions present challenges, with new office development at Callaghan Square requiring tenants to pay over £40 per square foot to be viable – significantly above current headline rents in the city.
Building on Recent Success
First Minister Eluned Morgan highlighted Wales's recent investment track record, noting that £4.6 billion of inward investment has been attracted from around the world since announcing the summit a year ago.
"Events like this summit provide crucial focus for business and government to work together and make deals that will benefit communities the length and breadth of Wales," Morgan stated. "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."
The First Minister acknowledged that attracting firms not currently active in Wales was a priority, with 60% of attendees falling into this category. She also recognised that investment outcomes might take several years to materialise into job-creating projects.
Strong Investment Track Record
Wales enters the summit from a position of strength, with recent data showing 65 foreign direct investment projects secured in 2024-25 – a 23% year-on-year increase representing the second-highest growth in the UK.
These projects created 2,470 new jobs and safeguarded 1,652 more – the highest of any UK region. Currently, 1,545 foreign-owned businesses operate in Wales, employing more than 176,500 people.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans emphasised Wales's strategic advantages: "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," she added.
The summit's appeal will be enhanced by appearances from Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas and television presenter Alex Jones, who will contribute to the sales pitch to international investors.
