Wales is not only an interesting business location. This year, the small country will be showcasing its appeal and celebrating the close relationship between the two countries with the themed year “Wales in Germany”.
Wales, a part of the UK, is a good place to invest and live. In recent years, Wales has emerged into an important business location. Numerous foreign companies are based here, including more than 75 German firms with their operating productions and sales facilities. And in addition to major investors – such as Linde or Siemens – important German family-owned companies and many medium-sized enterprises decided early on in favour of Wales. Germany is the top exporting country for Wales, with £ 2.88 billion.
Under the difficult conditions caused by the UK’s exit from the EU, Wales intends to strengthen and further develop its close connections with Germany this year. Under the motto “Wales in Germany 2021”, the focus will be not only on the economic aspects but also on culture and history and the scenic diversity of the country.
There will be a varied cultural programme throughout the year: On 1 March, Wales’ national holiday St David’s Day, the #WalesWeek will mark the start, showcasing “Welshness”. A week-long virtual and colorful programme with musical events, podcasts, webinars and performances will take place. From 4 to 6 March, the British Council, in cooperation with Literaturhaus Stuttgart, is organising a virtual literature seminar with readings by Welsh authors and in addition to performances by the National Dance Company Wales, including one on 24 March in Bonn, Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel will be singing Richard Wagner’s “The Flying Dutchman” during the Munich Opera Festival on 7 July. In the autumn, Welsh musician and producer Kelly Lee Owens will present her album “Inner Song” in Berlin (5 Nov. at Gretchen) and in Munich on 9 Nov. at the Ampere.
On the occasion of the UN Climate Change Conference 2021 (COP26), there will be youth dialogues on shared global responsibility in climate protection and Welsh Government trade delegations will attend important German trade fairs and forums in the sectors of medicine, technology etc. In addition, 2021 marks the 66th anniversary of the twinning between Cardiff and Stuttgart.
Wales as a nation is creative and open to new ideas. With its talents, proud history and rich, bilingual culture, it aims to inspire and to motivate the exchange of knowledge and to encourage the creation of a world of tomorrow.
Information on the events programme at
@walesingermany
#walesingermany
www.wales.com/de