As part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to raise Wales’ global profile as a first-class place to do business, it is supporting nine producers to visit Milan from the 24-28 June. 

This follows Italian interest in some of these products during the recent TasteWales event organised by the Welsh Government, which showcased over 800 Welsh food and drink products to buyers from all over the world. 

The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths said:

“We are extremely proud of our high-quality food and drink and recognise the enormous value it brings to our economy. Food and drink is a priority sector for the Welsh Government and this is why we have set an ambitious target to grow the sector by 30% by 2020. 

“In light of the UK’s decision to leave the EU, it is now more important than ever we promote the very best the food and drink industry has to offer and continue to make an impact in global markets. I am delighted we are supporting this group of producers to go to Milan and follow up on the exciting leads made with Italian buyers during our successful TasteWales event.”

The producers range from cereals, preserves and tea, to free-from foods and brewing companies. 

Italy is one of the biggest markets for gluten-free products in Europe and craft beer producers; Evan-Evans and Samosa Co will be joining the trade mission to promote their gluten-free options.

The organic market is also growing significantly in Italy and Pembrokeshire based company, Daioni Organic, will be in Milan to take advantage of these growth opportunities. 

During the four day visit the companies will have an opportunity to showcase products to selected buyers and develop new business through a series of market briefings, store visits, and meet the buyer/showcasing.

The producers attending the trade visit are:

Daioni Organic, Deeside Cereals, Evan-Evans Group, Sims Food – Samosa Co, Baa Brewing, Clarks, Lurville Delight, Radnor Preserves.

Guidance on how to check latest recalls, register your appliance and who to contact for more information on product safety.

If there is a problem with the safety of a product, its manufacturer is responsible for making arrangements for its repair and replacement or refund. This includes contacting the people who have purchased it where possible and publishing a notice drawing attention to the risk the product poses and what the manufacturer is doing to remedy the issue.

Further information:

Businesses such as banks, estate agents, accountants and payment firms will have to carry out stringent and targeted checks to make sure that money changing hands is from a legitimate source and will not be used to fund terror acts.

Serious and organised crime costs Britain at least £24 billion every year, and recent attacks demonstrate the importance of a strong toolkit to prevent terrorist atrocities. Although the vast majority of businesses are vigilant, these new rules will ensure that they are not abused by criminals or terrorists looking to move funds or obscure assets.

The rules will improve the quality of the checks. They ensure that businesses can spot suspicious activity and report it, enabling the police to act swiftly and decisively to prevent corruption or terrorist attacks.

The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Stephen Barclay, said:

We are cracking down on terrorists and criminals funnelling money through our financial system.

Terrorist financing and money laundering are significant threat to our national security, and we are determined to make the UK a hostile environment for illicit finance.

These new rules will tighten our defences, protect the integrity of our financial system and help protect the British public from terror attacks and criminal activities.

The partnership between the banking sector and law enforcement is vital in limiting abuse of the financial system by terrorists and criminals. In the recent terrorist attacks in the UK, major UK banks provided 24 hour support for an extended period to provide critical financial intelligence to support law enforcement partners.

These regulations implement the EU 4th Money Laundering Directive and complement work across government to strengthen our defences and deliver on the 2016 Action Plan for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist finance.

This includes the Criminal Finances Act, which will give law enforcement further capabilities and powers to recover the proceeds of crime, tackle money laundering, tax evasion and corruption, and combat the financing of terrorism.

Creation of a single licence category for the over ten metre fleet segment in Scotland

The minister met Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil and Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk, the heads of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Internal Security Forces (ISF) and General Security, as well as other senior security staff.

The United Kingdom has committed £81 million since 2011 to supporting Lebanese security through a partnership with Lebanese security forces and the minister had the opportunity to witness UK projects which support the LAF and ISF.

At Hamat Air Base, the minister saw how the LAF are effectively countering Daesh in the Qalamoun region, discussed the UK’s support in securing Lebanon’s border with Syria and observed a live training demonstration on countering improvised explosive devices.

He discussed internal security matters with Director General Osman, and visited the ISF Academy where the UK is helping train officers. He also visited police stations, modelled on those in the UK, and discussed the benefits of improved and increased inspections on professionalism and standards.

Security Minister Ben Wallace said:

It was a privilege to visit Lebanon for the first time. More than ever, the UK is committed to working with countries in this region and around the whole world to tackle the threat from terrorism and violent extremism.

We have committed £81 million of security assistance to Lebanon since 2011 to maintain security and stability and Lebanon is a strong and effective partner for the UK on security and counter-terrorism.