*New!* Out now, the Winter 22/23 issue of Think Global People magazine

Wales Week London, which actually runs for two weeks until March 5, will feature about 100 events embracing business, the arts, culture, sports, architecture and the hospitality industry.

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More investment lands in Wales

Coincidentally, the event is being held after Air India announced on Tuesday an order for 250 Airbus airliners, with some of the Airbus passenger jets' wings designed and built at two plants in Wales.The order is expected to create an additional 450 manufacturing jobs and more than £100 million of investment to Wales.Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the contract as a "landmark" deal, adding: “It will create better-paid jobs and new opportunities in manufacturing hubs from Derby (where Rolls-Royce builds the aircraft engine) to Wales, so we can grow the economy and support our agenda to level up – helping to deliver on my five priorities for the country."

A global event

The Airbus order has further boosted the spirits of Wales Week organisers. The event is in its seventh year in London and it has spawned similar, simultaneous events in the likes of New York, Paris, Kansas, Melbourne, Tokyo and Dublin.For first time this year, promotions are also being held in Detroit, Las Vegas and across NE England.Dan Langford, chair of Wales Week London, said: “Every year I’m always surprised by the incredible enthusiasm we continue to see from all our partners, event organisers and friends – both long-standing ones, who join us for Wales Week London every year; and new sponsors, event organisers and supporters, who we attract each year."It’s genuinely humbling, and it always gives our preparations a real boost when we know there is so much energy and ideas that they bring with them. Their ongoing contribution is just incredible, and it’s fundamental to the initiative’s enduring success.”

Building global partnerships

Mr Langford said the organisers also work closely with Welsh diaspora groups in London, and with both the Welsh and UK governments. This year will also see St David’s Day receptions hosted by the Swiss, French and American governments.“Wales Week is very much about partnerships; we attract and coalesce the goodwill, imagination and energy of so many wonderful people and organisations under one Wales Week banner, through which we promote them, their brands, their activities, and together we make a huge amount of Welsh noise," said Mr Langford.“This drives our purpose of commemorating our national day, celebrating Welsh culture and heritage, and promoting a modern Wales to the rest of the world.”New sponsors this year include Gerald Eve, Admiral, Atradius, RBC Brewin Dolphin and the Football Association of Wales.Wales Week comes as the Welsh and UK governments prepare to name which location will become Wales' first freeport, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.The selected port will benefit from £26 million in seed funding from  London. So far, eight freeports have been selected in England and two in Scotland.

Subscribe now to Think Global People magazine and read more on inward investment in the brand-new winter issue

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