The UK Government, in cooperation with the Welsh Government, has today set out their ambition for a new Freeport Programme in Wales as bidding opens for the innovative new site.
Local Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Samuel Kurtz MS is encouraging local stakeholders to seize this opportunity and apply for freeport status.
Bidders have been asked to demonstrate how a Welsh Freeport will provide more high-quality local jobs, attract fresh investment, and support the country in its sustainable efforts to reach net zero.
Consortiums have been given a 12-week target in which they must prepare their bids; all respective applications will then be jointly assessed by UK Government and Welsh Government officials.
It is expected that the successful site will be identified this winter and become fully operational in 2023.
Speaking about the Freeport Programme, Samuel Kurtz MS said:
“The Haven Waterway is a prime place to establish a new freeport. Fostering regeneration, creating high-quality jobs, and establishing an innovative future for our communities, this could be an exciting opportunity for Pembrokeshire.
“If we are to seize this opportunity with both hands, then all stakeholders need to be involved – Pembrokeshire has so much potential, from renewable energy creation to boosting existing industry infrastructure.
“Freeports have the ability to transform communities with their enormous potentiality to create, develop and deliver unharnessed economic growth. So, I hope serious consideration is given to a Pembrokeshire Freeport bid.”
