New figures show that business insurance customers in Wales are outperforming the rest of the UK in exports.
According to HM Revenue and Customs, exports from Welsh business insurance holders increased by £1,482 million in the year ending March 31st, showing a rise of 16.2 per cent on the previous year.
This is more than double the 7.4 per cent average recorded for business insurance customers in all UK countries and regions.
Ieuan Wyn Jones, deputy first minister, commented: "Welsh companies are looking beyond the current recession and actively pursuing new trade openings, which is fully supported by the assembly government."
He also said the US is the largest export market for Welsh business insurance holders and highlighted a recent trade mission to the country which involved more than 80 companies.
Recently, the British Chambers of Commerce and Lord Davies, minister for trade and investment, said that UK companies must attempt to export more in order to survive the economic downturn.
