2014 was an excellent year for Wales - a year when our country showed its ambition, its commitment to excellence and its determination to succeed.
Last year Wales shone on the world stage.
In July our athletes showed the world the amazing sporting talent that Wales possesses – our greatest ever Commonwealth Games medal success.
In September the Nato summit gave us the opportunity to show world leaders what we can achieve - and they were all impressed.
And November’s investment summit gave our innovative businesses the opportunity to show global investors why Wales is such an attractive place to create jobs.
In 2014 the UK economy grew faster than any other major advanced economy – and Wales has been growing faster than any other part of the UK.
Every corner of Wales has fantastic businesses that are making more, trading more and creating jobs for those looking to get on.
In 2015 we need to build on these successes, look ahead to the next challenges and raise the bar even higher – more economic growth, more jobs and more money in the pockets of hardworking people in Wales.
Blwyddyn newydd dda / Happy New Year.