THE FINAL edition of the new National Economic Development plan has been approved by AMs, but not without yet more criticism.

The strategy - officially called 'A Winning Wales', but more popularly known as NEDS - aims to close the prosperity gap between Wales and the rest of the UK.

Former Welsh Secretary Ron Davies and fellow economic development committee members Alun Cairns and Phil Williams all argued that the target of outgrowing the English economy at 1% a year for ten years is unrealistic.

And some Gwent industrialists agree with them, saying that a lot needs to be done to increase job vacancies.

Julian Pritchard, joint MD of RCP Site Services in Cwmbran, said the Assembly vision depended a lot on on whether they were going to get companies to invest in the Principality or not, especially from outside.

"There are just not the number of companies in Wales who are capable of expansion at the moment," he said.

"It also depends on whether manufacturing companies are going to be able to perform. Some of them seem to be struggling so much. We are supporting the car industry but they are just not spending money, so we are currently looking at different areas like the construction industry. Until manufacturing gets back on its feet I don't see a lot happening."

Mr Davies said: "There is much to be welcomed in this revised document, but the central target is no more achievable now than it was when this strategy first appeared."

Gwent AM Phil Williams, Plaid Cymru's spokesman on the economy, was critical of the absence of regional targets.

He said: "An analysis of the different needs and assets of the distinct economic regions is essential. The government reply that you can't force industry to move to particular parts of Wales - but you can't force them to come to Wales at all."

Mr Cairns said: "Wales needs a massive shift in thinking and strong leadership. But all the first minister offers is more of the same and Wales will remain near the bottom of the prosperity league with this plan."

But Michael German, leader of the Liberal Democrats in the Assembly, gave his full support to the document, which began life when he was in charge of economic development.

He said: "It is right that this strategy should be scrutinised closely. But there comes a point when scrutiny for the public good lapses into a navel-gazing spiral of cynicism and pettiness that can undermine the confidence necessary for us to fulfil our aspirations and vision for the future."

Mr Morgan himself called for all-party support for the strategy, stressing the need for partnership to achieve what he admits are ambitious targets.