Welsh Office Minister David Jones was in Pembrokeshire last week on a fact-finding trip.

On Tuesday, Mr. Jones visited Technium Pembrokeshire, the research and development facility in Pembroke Dock geared towards the energy industry.

He met the chief executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, Bryn Parry-Jones and the authoritys inward investment officer, Tony Streatfield.

After an update on the local economy and the role of the Technium, the Minister met Iain Russell, of Wavedragon, and Chris Williams, of Tidal Energy Limited, who outlined marine energy opportunities in the waters around Pembrokeshire.

The next day, following a meeting in County Hall, Haverfordwest, with the councils two deputy leaders, Clrs. John Allen-Mirehouse and Jamie Adams, Mr. Jones travelled to Fishguard Harbour.

He was briefed by Stena bosses on the multi-million pound plans to upgrade the port and to establish a marina, both of which are considered vital to the future economy of North Pembrokeshire.

He also met Steve Mansel Davies, head of one of the areas largest international road haulage firms.

Before leaving the county, the Minister visited the village of Dinas Cross where the first of Pembrokeshires several Good Neighbour schemes was launched by the council three years ago.

He discussed the merits of the service with some of its volunteers and recipients.

Said the Minister: It has been a very useful two-day visit to Pembrokeshire, hearing about the challenges facing the local economy as it emerges from recession.

The area has enormous potential for economic growth, particularly in the areas of energy and shipping. I was therefore pleased to visit Technium Pembrokeshire and also Fishguard Harbour, where I heard about the exciting proposals for redevelopment.

I also very much enjoyed my visit to the Good Neighbour Project at Dinas Cross, which is an excellent example of the sort of community scheme that the Government wishes to encourage as part of The Big Society initiative.