The pivotal economic role played by Milford Haven Port in the Welsh economy was acknowledged during a recent visit by Rebecca Evans, AM for Mid and West Wales.

Alec Don, chief executive of Milford Haven Port, was able to give Mrs. Evans an insight into the workings of Wales's largest port and the challenges it faces.

Recognising the important role the port plays in delivering economic growth, Mrs: Evans said: "The port is one of the major oil and gas ports in Northern Europe, and is key to the economic sustainability of the area."

Mrs. Evans spent the morning aboard one of the port's pollution response boats with Alec Don and the port's corporate affairs director, Mark Andrews, where she was able to see the port at work and hear more about the possible development sites as the port plans its future investment programme.

Following the visit, Mrs. Evans said: "I was glad to have the opportunity to learn more about the role of Milford Haven Port Authority in maintaining and improving navigation and the provision of port and hrbour services and facilities in the Haven, and to discuss the commercial and environmental priorities of the organisation."

Mr. Don also discussed legislation and regulatory hurdles with Mrs. Evans as raised in a recent economic report commissioned by the port.

Mr Don said: "A report we commissioned from Cardiff University last year clearly highlighted the importance of the energy sector to both Wales and the UK. We need to make sure this is fully recognised by policymakers, and that more is done to make it easier to invest, operate and employ within the sector."