Prince William has urged international investors to seize the "extraordinary possibility" Wales offers, positioning the nation as a leading destination for foreign investment. Speaking at a Welsh Government investment summit in Newport, the Prince of Wales emphasized the country's potential as a clean-energy hub and innovation center.
The one-day summit at the International Convention Centre Wales drew more than 250 companies, with 150 new to the country. William's appearance follows his visit to semiconductor company KLA in Gwent, where he met entrepreneurs showcasing Welsh innovations.
Personal connection to Wales
William drew on his personal ties to the nation, where he and Catherine made their first home on Anglesey while he served as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot. «Wales was the first place Catherine and I made our home together – on the island of Anglesey,» he said at the summit. «When you make a home in Wales, you join a family of three million people, and the sense of warmth and belonging is what makes Wales unlike anywhere else.»
The Prince highlighted Wales' unique appeal to investors beyond economic metrics. «That sense of warmth and belonging is what makes Wales unlike anywhere else,» he emphasized.
Clean energy leadership
William positioned Wales as a crucial player in addressing global challenges. «The world is changing rapidly. We face pressures that no one can ignore: accelerating climate change, unprecedented weather disruption and energy insecurity,» he told delegates.
He pointed to specific projects transforming Wales into a renewable energy powerhouse: «Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, tidal stream energy in the Irish Sea, a Hydrogen Hub in the North and solar power in Pembrokeshire.» These initiatives are «positioning Wales as one of the world's most promising clean-energy hubs,» according to the Prince.
Following his father's legacy
The Prince also invoked King Charles' historic role in Welsh investment. «I am pleased to be continuing the work of my father, the King, who over half a century ago, personally encouraged the co-founder of Sony to open its first European factory here in Wales,» William said. He described his father's «leadership in championing Welsh business and innovation» as something he is «proud to have the opportunity to continue today.»
Wales currently hosts 1,545 foreign-owned businesses employing more than 176,500 people. The summit focused on sectors including clean energy, technology, life sciences, financial services, manufacturing and creative industries.
William also highlighted Wales' technological expertise: «Technologies designed and built in Wales are already embedded in the smartphones in your pockets as well as sensors, autonomous systems and high-speed networks used across the globe.» He called this «a testament to the Welsh capacity to compete and lead on the world stage.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
