This year will see us celebrating Wales in France, a year-long celebration of cultural, business and sporting events designed to strengthen existing links rooted in our shared history and culture and forge new connections between our two countries.
France is one of our closest neighbours and an important partner as we reaffirm Wales’s position as an outward looking, European nation and continue to strengthen our relationships with European nations, regions and organisations.
France is an economic powerhouse for Wales, there are around 80 French-owned businesses in Wales employing about 10,120 people. In 2020, Welsh exports to France were valued at just over £1.836bn making it our second largest export destination. The Wales in France Year is an opportunity for us to build on these strong foundations and discover new ways of working together.
This year will;
- Bring long-term benefit back to the people of Wales by supporting key areas of cooperation with France, including our growing economic partnership, which helps support Welsh communities with investment and new, low carbon jobs and showcases Wales’s diverse and advanced economy and workforce
- Strengthen leadership and cooperation in the fields of green energy and decarbonisation, where Wales’s rugged coastline and climate leads to some of the world’s most innovative solutions to the climate emergency.
- Underscore Wales’s commitment to youth mobility and international partnerships in education and research.
- Showcase Welsh language, culture and heritage help these sectors grow through new networks and audiences.
- Capture the profile-raising opportunities of sport, connect Wales with the world through our presence at the Rugby World Cup and other key sporting moments.
We’re looking forward to seeing what the year will bring. For the latest news and updates on Wales in France, follow @wginFrance on Twitter and #WalesinFrance across various platforms.