A Wales freeport could be announced shortly according to UK levelling up minister Michael Gove.
UK and Welsh governments have been at loggerheads over freeports in Wales with rows about who will pay and how they will operate.
Welsh Government had previously said they were being shortchanged with a Wales freeport securing less funding than those in England.
But now a deal could be imminent according to Mr Gove in a move welcomed by Ynys Mon MP Virginia Crosbie.
However Welsh Government said it wasn’t commenting at this stage but referred back to a previous statement that said: “At present no formal offer has been presented to the Welsh Government on a proposed Welsh Freeport.”
UK Government has named eight English freeports where goods could be imported, manufactured, and exported again without facing standard tariffs or requiring normal customs checks.
Supporters say it will boost the economies of local areas but critics warn they would simply displace existing firms and employment and act as tax havens.
Mr Gove told the House of Commons today: “I can confirm that we have had very fruitful negotiations with the Welsh Government.
“I want to place on record my thanks to Vaughan Gething and other ministers in the Welsh Government, and I hope that we will be able to make an announcement shortly about the process by which we will allocate freeports in Wales.
“At the moment the proposal is for one freeport in Wales, but I recognise that both South Wales and North Wales have significant potential for freeports in the future.”
Welsh Government have been asked to comment.
Ms Crosbie has been pressing for Anglesey to be given freeport status in Wales and raised the issue today.
She said: “This was a very positive response by the minister. I am pleased we could be close to progress on a freeport or even freeports for north and south Wales - something I, of course, fully support.
“I make no secret I want one on Anglesey and I will continue to make the case for that to happen, but I am actually really pleased the Welsh government is now being far more positive about freeports than before after so many months of inactivity.
“I have said many times we need this stimulus in Wales because it will bring jobs and investment to areas that need it to level up. I look forward to the announcement when it comes.”
