Science Secretary Peter Kyle MP said in the UK government “we want to unleash the magic” of government working collaboratively with industries.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens MP said: “We have got all the ingredients here in Newport. We have got the talent, the research, the skills and the investment site.”
The pair were visiting Newport’s semiconductor firms KLA and Vishay.
Newport is a hub for UK semiconductor research and manufacturing, supporting over 1,700 jobs, and adding around £265m to the Welsh economy per year.
The Cardiff East MP said Newport is a unique place where not only the infrastructure, business and investment opportunities in a skilled industry are aligned but also the fact that it is governed by the same party in the Senedd and Westminster.
Ms Stevens said the relationship between the Welsh Government and the UK Government is “so much better” now that Labour are in power in Westminster.
In November last year the Vishay semiconductor site received a £51 million funding boost.
On Monday’s visit, The Secretary of State for Wales said: “The world-leading South Wales semiconductor cluster is vital for our economy and contributes to areas ranging from clean energy, aerospace and healthcare to national security.
“The UK Government is backing our innovative businesses to continue to create high-skilled and well-paid jobs and to drive economic growth as part of our plan for change.”
During Monday’s visit, The Science Secretary Peter Kyle announced that this year’s call for British businesses and researchers to apply for funding through the EU’s Chips Joint Undertaking, opens on March 4.
The UK joined the Chips JU last year, giving enhanced access to a €1.3 billion research pot through Horizon Europe, fostering global collaboration and technological leadership through joint research partnerships.
The Science Secretary called for businesses to take advantage of the funding so more skilled jobs can be created in the area.
Mr Kyle said: “KLA and Vishay showcase the incredible innovation happening in the Welsh semiconductor cluster, which powers vital technology, from our phones to life-saving medical technology.
“By seizing new funding opportunities through the Chips Joint Undertaking, British researchers and businesses can develop semiconductor technologies for critical sectors like healthcare, aerospace and automotive, opening new growth areas for the UK and supporting our industrial strategy.
“This strengthens the UK’s position in a competitive, global semiconductor landscape and supports long-term growth for our economy.”
Michael O’Sullivan, Executive Vice President at Vishay said: “Vishay has a connection to Wales going back decades. We’re working in partnership with all levels of Government, local universities, the South Wales Cluster and the surrounding community. Vishay is excited to grow the Newport Wafer Fab featuring a talented workforce by bringing in current and next-generation technologies supporting the UK’s Semiconductor Strategy.
“We were delighted to welcome the ministers to Newport today. Working closely with the UK and Welsh Governments, we now have an exciting opportunity to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds’ worth of investment. This will not just drive economic growth in South Wales – creating highly-skilled, well-paid jobs – but also across the wider UK supply chain.
“We were also very pleased to celebrate our female engineers today, who showed the ministers how a cleanroom works – one of the most advanced manufacturing processes in the world.”
