Envoys appointed to promote Wales as an investment location on the world stage

Three envoys passionate about Wales have been appointed by the Welsh Government to promote the country abroad.

Minister for International Relations Eluned Morgan said she was ‘honoured’ to appoint them to their roles.

The envoys are a part of the Welsh Government’s International Strategy, a key feature of which is to raise the profile of the nation around the world.

Through working with high profile and respected individuals the Welsh Government hopes to spark and increase the engagement of the Welsh diaspora, which is made up of alumni and friends of Wales in other countries.

It is hoped this will drive inward investment opportunities and promote Welsh exports.

The three envoys are:

• Koji Tokumasu. Koji lived in Cardiff for two years in the 1970s. Koji was instrumental in bringing the Rugby World Cup to Japan in 2019 and is a former President of Asia Rugby.
• La-Chun Lindsay. La-Chun moved to Wales to take the role of MD of GE Aviation Wales in 2015 – becoming the first woman to undertake an MD position for the company.
• Aled Miles. Born in Bridgend, he moved to the USA in 2006 to take up the position of CEO at Cineflex Camera Systems LLC. His specialism is cyber security and he is currently President and CEO of Sauce Labs.

The Minister for International Relations Eluned Morgan said:

“We are confident the first three Welsh envoys will help us open doors for Wales and raise our profile internationally. They have been appointed as they are all at the very top of their respective fields.

“We are honoured that Koji Tokumasu, La-Chun Lindsay and Aled Miles have agreed to be flag carriers for our nation and they will offer in-market support for our export and inward investment ambitions, whilst also playing a wider role in raising awareness of Wales and promoting areas of Welsh excellence.

“These individuals will be given the official title of ‘Welsh Government Envoy’ and will help open doors and build relationships with countries around the world.”

The Minister virtually met with the newly appointed envoys this week and will be in regular contact with them to be updated about their progress.

A fourth envoy will be appointed in the autumn as part of the first cohort of Welsh Envoys. The envoys will be unpaid and reimbursed for any travel and sustenance costs associated to their role.