Empey hints at eastern promise for NI business

Sir Reg Empey, Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, has told delegates at a reception in Beijing that Northern Ireland businesses were eager to play a part in the ever expanding Chinese economy.

The Minister was speaking during a reception on the final leg of his tour as part of the current Trade International visit to China and Hong Kong.

Sir Reg said their current visit to China was perfectly timed as it coincided with the country’s entry into the World Trade Organisation and Beijing’s initial preparations for the 2008 Olympic Games in the city.

During his visit to China and Hong Kong Sir Reg met senior managers of Beijing companies who do business with trade mission participants such as Randox Laboratories, Crumlin and Andor Technology, Belfast.

Sir Reg said: “The strength of the mission to such an intensely competitive marketplace is an indication of the ‘can do’ approach which has become a feature of many Northern Ireland export-focused companies.

“The fact that more than half the companies taking part in the mission are visiting China for the first time also shows a recognition that business opportunities in developing regions can help offset the current slowdown in mature markets in North America and Europe.

“In developing their approach to this market of some 1.3 billion people the newcomers will benefit enormously from the experience and knowledge of companies such as Randox Laboratories, Delta Packaging, Audio Processing Technology and Andor Technology which are already established there.”

Sir Reg was joined on the mission by 38 directors and senior managers from 27 Northern Ireland companies. (MB)