DETI launch foreign market outreach programme

Bruce Robinson, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has launched the annual business programme aimed at helping small firms in the province break into foreign markets.

The 2001 Explorers overseas export marketing programme, which has a proven track record of success, is a low-cost opportunity for local small and medium-sized businesses to develop their exporting capability in the European and American markets.

Mr Robinson said: “Explorers focuses on the very core of our economic strategy for Northern Ireland, by promoting growth and increased international competitiveness of local companies. It will not just help businesses to break into markets, but to maintain their presence there and succeed.

“Northern Ireland’s recent record on exports is excellent, demonstrating our ability to compete successfully in the global market. The exploitation of these markets will drive economic growth, and help towards creating new jobs and opportunities for all our people.”

Over 200 companies and 550 graduates have benefited from participating on the programme, researching, developing and opening up profitable new markets worldwide.

Explorers represents a structured, low-risk, commercially driven approach to export-market development, matching Northern Ireland companies with high-calibre graduates. Commenting on last year’s programme, 80 per cent of companies said that the projects either fully met or exceeded expectations.

Edge Innovative Learning International manages the programme, devised and funded by the Department with financial assistance from the European Social Fund. (AMcE)