Economy Secretary on Gold Coast to support and promote Wales

His visit comes one month before the start of daily flights between Cardiff and Doha which will pave the way for increased trade links between Wales, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia.

The Commonwealth Games is the only elite multi-disciplinary event in which Welsh athletes can compete under their own flag.

And at the 2018 Games Ken Skates will be supporting Wales’ 223 competing athletes who are representing their country in a range of sports including swimming, diving, athletics, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, hockey netball, lawn balls, rugby, shooting, squash, table tennis, triathlon, weightlifting and all 5 para sports.

The Economy Secretary will attend the Commonwealth Games’ opening ceremony, and join other Commonwealth Government representatives and figures from  business, academia and sport in an event to explore the value, power and influence of sport beyond the playing field.

He will also represent Wales at business events, aimed at maximising trading opportunities between Commonwealth countries and the Gold Coast.

Later in the week he will travel to Sydney to meet the Council of Australian Tour Operators and attend a business event with the  Australian British Chamber of Commerce and Qatar Airways, before returning to the Games.

Ken Skates said:

“Sport is a huge part of our culture and the Commonwealth Games represent a unique opportunity for Wales to compete as a nation in a world class sporting event.

“This is a magnificent opportunity for Wales and our 223 athletes who, with the support of Commonwealth Games Wales and Sport Wales have worked so hard to be here, and I am proud to be cheering on team Wales as they test themselves against the very best in the world.

“The Gold Coast Games, and the new Qatar Airways flights between Cardiff and Doha which kick off next month, provide us with  an excellent opportunity  to further build our links with the Middle East, Asia and Australasia –  and of course, these links are  more important than ever as we prepare to leave the EU.

“With that in mind, my focus this week will be flying the flag  for Wales, strengthening  partnerships and connections, and promoting Wales as a great place to set up a business, and as a truly first class trading partner, tourism destination and place to study.”