The Prince of Wales has praised Wales as the place where foreign investors can do business and take advantage of the “extraordinary possibility” on offer.
William said he was “proud” to follow in his father's footsteps and praised the King for showing “leadership in championing business and innovation in Wales” decades ago, when he personally encouraged the Sony co-founder to open a factory in the country.
His comments were made in a speech at the Welsh Investment Summit organized by the Welsh Government to encourage foreign companies to fund new businesses.
The future king also appreciated the “sense of warmth and belonging” that makes Wales unique after making his first home with his wife Kate in Anglesey when he was an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.
William gave his speech after meeting a group of entrepreneurs and companies showcasing their innovative businesses already based in Wales, from colorful covers for prosthetic legs to a company planning to make Morris JE electric vans.
The prince said: “Wales was the first place Catherine and I made our home together – on the island of Anglesey. 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 different to anywhere else.
“I am pleased to continue the work of my father, the King, who more than half a century ago personally encouraged the co-founder of Sony to open his first European factory here in Wales.”
He went on to say: “His leadership in championing Welsh business and innovation is something I am proud to have the opportunity to continue today.
“Because I believe we have reached another significant moment for Welsh investment. An opportunity defined not by the challenges we collectively face, but by extraordinary possibilities.”
The one-day summit was held at the Wales International Convention Center in Newport, the largest event hosted by Wales since the 2014 NATO summit, and more than 250 businesses are expected to attend, 150 of which are new to Wales.
Sectors represented by companies attending the summit included clean energy, technology, life sciences, financial services, manufacturing and creative industries.
There are 1,545 foreign-owned companies active in Wales, employing more than 176,500 people across the country, according to the Welsh Government.
The prince also highlighted global challenges and how Wales is responding to some of them: “The world is changing rapidly. We face pressures that no one can ignore: the acceleration of climate change, unprecedented climate disruptions and energy insecurity.”
He added: “…it is encouraging to see Wales take a step forward as one of the most important renewable resource centers in all of Europe.
“Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, tidal energy in the Irish Sea, a Hydrogen Center in the North and solar energy in Pembrokeshire.
“Together, these projects are positioning Wales as one of the most promising clean energy hubs in the world.”
Previously, William visited international semiconductor company KLA's newly opened facility in Newport, Gwent.
SPTS, a division of KLA, has operated in Newport for more than 40 years, with the South Wales city home to its research, development and manufacturing division.
The prince told delegates, including Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan: “Technologies designed and built in Wales are already embedded in the smartphones you carry in your pockets, as well as sensors, autonomous systems and high-speed networks used around the world.
“A testament to Wales' ability to compete and lead on the world stage.”
