Joost Helms, who helped transform Eindhoven through the Brainport development, visited the city this week as part of an initiative to strengthen international ties around the city's semiconductor industry. He was invited by Councillors Dimitri Batrouni and James Clarke, who believe Newport is poised for similar growth. Councillor Batrouni said: "Absolute pleasure to welcome Joost Helms to Newport. Mr Helms praised Newport’s potential but noted the region remains relatively unknown internationally. "We are ambitious for Newport and determined to ensure the city is at the forefront of future economic growth."