Stormont trade minister’s 2002 message for business

Sir Reg Empey, Northern Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, trade and investment has spoke about the hardships Northern Ireland endured in the year 2001.

In his New Year’s message the Stormont trade minister said factors, such as the foot and mouth outbreak, the global economic downturn, and the worldwide repercussions of September 11 all contributed to a particularly difficult year for business communities everywhere.

Sir Reg said: “It has been an especially challenging and heart breaking time for people whose jobs have been directly affected by such events. Job losses are devastating not just for the individual and his or her family, but also for whole communities.

“What has struck me in particular about the past year is how vulnerable we all are to the unpredictable. The world is becoming an increasingly smaller place to live in. Disease, global economics and terrorism, do not just change lives in Northern Ireland but across the world.”

However the minister said devolved government remained the key to future wealth and prosperity in Northern Ireland.

Listing the trade benefits of cross border co-operation and the launch of a new multi-million pound gas project which will see the construction of major gas pipelines from Gormanstown in County Meath to Antrim and from Belfast to Londonderry, and the creation of Invest Northern Ireland (INI), a new single economic development agency Sir Reg said NI’s new government was bringing prosperity and wealth in all areas and to all people.

The minister ended his New Year’s message with a call to business to grasp each and every opportunity in 2002. He said: “There have been many success stories over the past year including, most recently the £11 million investment by Northbrook Technology for Belfast and Londonderry.

“Many budding entrepreneurs may be reflecting that 2002 is their year to go it alone and set up a business. Northern Ireland’s economy needs many more enterprising individuals if it is to fully reach its potential and through the establishment of INI I am committed to building on the success of IDB, LEDU and IRTU, and making appropriate support more accessible.” (AMcE)