Conference stresses partnership approach to local economy

A joint conference between the Institute of Directors (IoD) and the Chief Executives’ Forum (CEF) has taken place in the province to encourage economic success through increased partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Guest speakers at the event - the First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First Minister, Mark Durkan - addressed a wide range of local business leaders about the need to create a competitive economy through working together for the greater good.

The First Minister said: “In order to achieve the cohesive, inclusive and just society that everyone in Northern Ireland wants, it is essential that we create a vibrant economy that will produce employment and wealth for the future. To achieve that goal, it is important that there is a stable political environment and the members of the Executive will be doing everything in our power to bring that about.”

However, the Deputy First Minister warned delegates about the peril of ignoring “other pressures” on the Northern Ireland economy apart from the political situation. He added: “While our recent economic performance has been encouraging, it must be placed in the context of the global economy, which has been suffering greatly this year, particularly in light of the terrible terrorist atrocities in the United States on 11 September.”

Mr Durkan went on to assure delegates of the Executive’s commitment to the promotion of Northern Ireland as “an attractive inward investment location”. “Together with genuine measures to support and develop entrepreneurship, innovation and research and development, we will continue to ensure that Northern Ireland maintains a competitive edge and continues to prosper. These things can only be achieved through a partnership approach and it is for that reason that today’s event is both timely and necessary,” he said.

The Institute of Directors draws its membership from the whole spectrum of the business community, from large companies to small private firms, with 750 members in its Northern Ireland Division.

The Chief Executives’ Forum is the association of chief executive officers of public bodies in Northern Ireland. It aims to support the democratic process by promoting excellence in public service and, in doing so, to encourage innovation and develop its leaders.

Membership of the Forum currently stands at 162 organisations. (CL)