With Askar Sheibani

CEO, Comtek Network Systems UK Ltd and chair, DBF

The vast majority of the businesses in North Wales believe there is a North-South divide in Wales.

North Wales isn't getting any recognition for its impressive potential for economic development and growth. I am sure the Welsh and UK Governments will deny the existence of the divide and will try to defend their track records of supporting the North.

Welsh government recognised and accepted North Wales should have a dedicated minister to concentrate on the North and represent it within the cabinet. Although the government appointed a minister for the North, it was only in name, with no real power.

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Speaking to many businesses, North Wales would be better off linking its economic activities to Manchester and Liverpool. Both these cities have international airports and historic and cultural connections with North Wales.

Strengthening North Wales' economic links with these two cities will benefit North Wales greatly. Many countries have consulates/representatives in Manchester that North Wales would have access to.

There are many trade missions to these neighbouring cities from overseas and large trade shows where our businesses could build relationships with businesses in Manchester and Liverpool. Manchester is home to many international investors and has a strong financial sector that can provide us with opportunities to entice investors to come and invest in North Wales.

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We in North Wales have world-class companies that could compete easily with the rest of the world. By proactively collaborating with the public sector and business organisations in Manchester and Liverpool we could create a powerful economic zone stronger than the Southeast of England.

North East Wales is one of the largest manufacturing powerhouses in Europe. We must team up with local governments through 'Ambition North Wales' and promote the best of our region, as we can no longer rely on the UK or Welsh Governments to do it for us.

The world is facing economic challenges but it is also creating opportunities for us to grasp and grow our economy. There is no other place in the UK with such fantastic geology and expertise for renewable energy investments and growth.

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The recent war in Ukraine and the sharp rise in energy costs has increased the momentum and urgency to accelerate the investment in renewable energy. Becoming energy self-sufficient is considered a national security matter and our government must push forward and speed up with the UK's objective of reaching the Net-Zero point as soon as possible.

There is no better place than North Wales in the UK for expertise in aerospace and automotive technologies. We need to sell this type of expertise throughout the world and showcase North Wales as the most desirable region for this sector to invest in and grow.

Let's ditch the doom and gloom that we are being constantly fed by the media, and be upbeat about our region's fantastic achievements, the resilient business community and the great opportunities we can have ahead of us in the new year.

We have a strong track record of beating past economic turmoil and recessions, and coming out of it stronger.