Madam,

Last week, I announced Plaid Cymru’s vision for jobs and growth – a long-term plan for Wales to create a thriving and profitable economy.Seventeen years of Labour-led rule in Wales has left us lagging behind the UK average. Wealth generated per head is the lowest in the UK, average earnings are almost £100 less than the UK as a whole, and unemployment is above average, too.Plaid Cymru’s plans involve closing the ever-widening prosperity gap between Wales and the rest of the UK, and drive up Welsh wages. Among the main strands of our plans are to:1. Establish a National Infrastructure Commission and embark on the biggest programme of reconstruction since devolution.2. Increase the share of public contracts in Wales going to Welsh companies – keeping the public pound local3. Delivering prosperity to all parts of Wales with a Regional Renewal Bill to ensure that Welsh Government investment is spread throughout the nation.4. Creating a new trade body – a new WDA for the 21st century - to drive up exports and re-establish Wales as a recognisable, desirable centre for investment on the world stage.These initiatives reflect the restlessness of Plaid Cymru. Together we can re-establish Wales as an economic and industrial powerhouse for the benefit of its people and its communities.

Yours etc,Rhun ap Iorwerth AM, Plaid Cymru shadow economy minister.