Hike in foreign investment in the country sees hundreds of jobs created in North Wales
North Wales is benefitting as the number of foreign direct investment projects in Wales grew significantly in the last financial year - creating and safeguarding more than 4,100 jobs. Wales secured 65 projects in 2024-25, a 23% increase on the previous financial year.
This was the second highest increase of any nation or region of the UK. It compares with a 12% year-on-year decline in the number of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the UK overall.
The investments include the promise of 2,470 new jobs being created, a 30% increase compared to 2023-24. Again, this was the second highest increase of any nation or region across the UK.
The results have been published by the Department for Business and Trade in its annual report on foreign direct investments in the UK.
A total of 1,652 jobs were also safeguarded in Wales – the highest number of all nations and regions. As well as new investments into Wales from overseas firms, the figures also include expansion projects by foreign companies already located here.
Historically, particularly under the former Welsh Development Agency, which was disbanded by the Welsh Government back in 2004, Wales had attracted more than 10% of all inward investment into the UK.
Investments in the last year include at Shotton Mill Ltd, which is owned by Turkish corporate Eren Holdings.
The North East Wales-based company will become the UK's largest paper-manufacturing campus thanks to a £1bn redevelopment. Supported by £13m Welsh Government funding, it will see 147 jobs safeguarded and create a further 220 when fully commissioned.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: "Despite political and economic factors impacting growth globally, Wales has again seen a significant increase in foreign investment.
'There has been a large increase in jobs created through FDI in 2024-25 and the continuing growth of 'new' investment into Wales has reached a nine-year high.
'This is proof that our proactive approach to promoting Wales globally as a great place to do business is delivering. From Delhi to San Diego we have further raised the profile of Wales as an outstanding investment destination with key sectors that boast world class capabilities.'
First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "Creating high quality jobs in key sectors is a priority for this government, and attracting overseas investment is a key part of our economic strategy.
"We are focused as a government on economic growth, and these figures highlight the confidence investors are showing in the Welsh economy. Our International Investment Summit later this year will provide a further opportunity to showcase Wales to the world and attract even more investment into Wales."
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