Joyce Watson AM, in partnership with Marine Energy Pembrokeshire (MEP), recently hosted an international networking event at the National Assembly for Wales.

The Cardiff Bay reception was an important opportunity to showcase Wales as a global business destination for the marine energy sector.

Business people from across the world - Holland, France, Sweden, Denmark, Australia and elsewhere - attended the evening reception. Economy minister Ken Skates delivered the keynote speech.

Since her election to the Assembly in 2007, Mrs. Watson has been a keen supporter of the industry. Earlier this year, in March she joined experts from across the UK as they convened in Milford Haven for MEP’s seventh annual industry seminar.

The Labour Mid and West AM said:“I was delighted to be asked to host this prestigious event. Since 2010, MEP, supported by Welsh Government funding, has been at the forefront of promoting Pembrokeshire and Wales as a global hub for marine energy projects and business.

“Now, with the establishment of the Pembrokeshire Wave Demonstration Zone, a 90 sq/km testing area located 13 kilometres off the South Pembrokeshire coast, there is huge potential to grow the sector here in West Wales.”

Cabinet Secretary Skates affirmed the Welsh Government’s commitment to developing marine energy in Wales.

“We have secured 100.4 million euros of EU Structural Funds to invest in innovative developer-led projects to help make this happen,” he said:

“Developers from across the globe and closer to home are showing an active interest in developing projects in Welsh waters, such as Wave-tricity in Pembrokeshire.”