The secretary of state for Wales is holding a summit for council leaders in the Cardiff capital region to help thrash out a City Deal plan.
Stephen Crabb warned the region could fall behind counterparts across the UK and miss out on the benefits of City Deal, which often involve a commitment of local funding together with a fresh injection of central government cash to help release infrastructure and growth potential.
In the run up to the talks on 11 June, Mr Crabb met with business leaders in the region to help develop some momentum and build up support for a deal.
The leaders of Cardiff, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport City, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan will attend the City Deal summit.
Mr Crabb said: ‘It is my hope that we can take forward the Cardiff City Deal in this way - but on a scale that will benefit not only people in Cardiff, but across the capital region.
‘The recovery is gathering pace right across Wales and in Cardiff we have a unique opportunity. The task now is to bring together the private sector, the Welsh Government and those councils, which make up the Cardiff Capital Region.
‘Across the UK, City Deals are delivering major investment, clearing the way for new infrastructure projects and setting a clear strategic vision for growth. I don’t want to see Wales being left behind.’
The City Deal plans for Cardiff were confirmed by the chancellor in the Budget on 18 March.
