Size is no barrier to the economic success of an independent Wales - that is the key finding of a major study published today by Plaid Cymru Euro-MP Jill Evans. The report 'Wales Can Work - Small Country Success in the New Global Economy' provides a snapshot of the current position of the Welsh economy and compares it with the recent experience of small independent states.

The report effectively blows apart the age old myth that Wales is too small or remote to survive economically and highlights the success stories of small independent nations.

Specifically the report says the following about the performance of the Welsh economy under Tory and New Labour governments:

* Welsh economic performance lags significantly behind the UK average and wealth per person is actually declining under New Labour.

* Wales has the slowest growth rate amongst the 15 states that made up the EU pre-enlargement.

* If the Welsh economy had grown at the same rate as the UK each person in Wales would be £1,000 richer, at the same rate as the EU-15, £4,000 richer, or at the same rate as independent Ireland £19,000 richer.

* New Labour is failing to take affirmative steps to tackle the issue of slow economic growth in Wales.

* Average earnings in Wales lag some £3,000 behind the UK average.

* In contrast the report highlights the relative success of small independent nations:

* The Welsh population is far closer in size to that of the EU national average than that of the UK.

* Small EU countries are some £3,400 richer per person than large EU countries.

* Small EU countries are growing faster than large ones.

* Unemployment rates are significantly lower in smaller EU countries.

* Small countries have balances of trade that are seven times more favourable.

* The report says that small countries do well, more so than ever before because:

* They are able to identify their interests and fiercely guard them.

* Non renewable natural resources are no longer essential to economic success.

* Small countries are more agile.

* Distance no longer matters.

* Small countries are more cohesive.

* Small nations need to export and the new global economy facilitates this.

Jill Evans MEP said:

"As this report shows, relative poverty and economic decline have been consistent features of the Welsh economy for the last eighty years. This report clearly demonstrates that Welsh economic performance has languished under both Tory and New Labour maladministration.

"I refuse to believe that as a country we are somehow predetermined to be poor. We have everything it takes to make it as a small independent nation within the new Europe.

"Six members of the new European Union are smaller than Wales, they are seizing the economic opportunities of full EU membership. It is time for Wales to join as an equal partner if we are to turn around the decline of the past eighty years."

Adam Price MP added:

"This report proves that size is no barrier to economic success in the modern world. The one feature common to the small, economically successful countries referred to in this work is that they are independent states. They are using their independence as a driver for economic success.

"I'm delighted to have been chosen to head up Plaid Cymru's Independence Campaign. This report provides an excellent spring board to take this forward. The next stage in the campaign - which we're calling 'Wales Tomorrow/Cymru Fydd - will be a series of roadshows across the length and breadth of the country to promote the economic benefits of independence."

Notes

The report was prepared for Jill Evans MEP by American economist Jennifer Erickson. EU wide comparisons in the report refer to the 15 member EU, pre-enlargement.

Jill Evans is Deputy Leader of Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales and represents the whole of Wales in the European Parliament.

Diwedd/Ends.

NOTE:

Sara Medi Jones has worked for Jill Evans MEP since January, 2008, and was a student of Leeds University.

View Sara asking Mrs. Clinton the question HERE.