VISITORS from South Korea were welcomed to Wiltshire earlier this week to learn from the county's rural economy.

Hosted by the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) and Wiltshire College, the visit from the South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs was organised for the delegates to learn how the county has established policies for rural economic development.

Wiltshire was the only place in the UK visited by the delegates, consisting of government officials and government county officials from South Korea.

Following the visit, the SWLEP head of investment and export, Phil Clement, was "delighted" that Wiltshire were recognised for their "strong world-leading rural economy", adding: "Rural businesses make a vital contribution to the economy of Swindon and Wiltshire generating around 44 per cent of annual economic output, more than £7 billion each year and there’s potential for that to grow.

"We are working with a range of partners across the private, public and academic sectors to help shape the Swindon and Wiltshire 'offer' to prospective inward investors and are also working with local businesses to support their growth aspirations."

During their time in Wiltshire, delegates heard presentations from both hosting parties about their economic program working with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and about rural-inspired courses on offer at the college including agriculture and life sciences.

Mr Clement added: "We look forward to exploring potential opportunities for inward investment and export that might arise from this visit.”