Freeport on Anglesey officially begins operations

This sees Anglesey join the Celtic Freeport of Port Talbot and Milford Haven, which launched in November. The freeports are designated areas for business with tax and customs advantages, and funding for infrastructure and skills projects. What makes the Welsh freeports stand apart is their commitment to "fair work, union recognition, and the involvement of local authorities."

They are designed to encourage regeneration and create high-quality jobs. They also aim to be national hubs for global trade and investment, and foster an innovative environment. The freeports focus on the strengths of each area, exploring opportunities from offshore wind and marine energy to advanced manufacturing and innovation.

Ynys Mon Freeport is comprised of sites at Prosperity Park and Parc Cybi in Holyhead, M-Sparc near Gaerwen, and two brownfield sites on Llangefni Industrial Estate. The Welsh freeports aim to attract GBP6.5 billion in investment and create around 17,000 jobs. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "This is great news for Ynys Mon, which is especially welcome following the recent storm damage which hit Holyhead.

"One of the priorities I set out when I became First Minister was to create green jobs and growth. "I'm proud that our Welsh freeports will not only attract investment and jobs, but unlike others, they are committed to promoting fair work and environmental sustainability." Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Rebecca Evans, said: "This will make a real difference in terms of supporting sustained growth and the creation of high-quality jobs across North Wales.

"We are working closely with the UK Government to finalise the freeports' business cases, which will result in up to GBP25 million seed capital for each freeport as they move fully into delivery."

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said: "This is a fantastic day for Wales with both of our freeports now open for business and beginning the work of generating investment, opportunity and growth.

"Our GBP26 million investment in the Anglesey freeport will help drive our vision for this part of Wales, bringing thousands of new jobs and boosting the industries of the future."