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18/04/2012
Exports Are Vital To Economic Success - Foster
Local businesses which focus on exports can continue to grow in the current economic climate.
Arlene Foster was speaking in Mumbai, where she is participating in an Invest Northern Ireland 24 company-strong trade mission.
Highlighting the key role export markets can play in helping boost the local economy the Minister continued: "The purpose of this visit is to generate export growth and stimulate further investment from the Middle East and India. Reliance on the indigenous market does not offer much potential for growth. This month's Index of Production figures show that businesses that are export oriented increased their output over the year despite the difficult economic circumstances."
Figures released for the period December 2011- February 2012 show that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate was unchanged over the quarter at 6.8%.
Although output from the Northern Ireland Production sector fell by 0.3% from Q3 2011 to Q4 2011, it increased by 5.3% in 2011 compared to 2010. The UK decreased by 1.3% over the quarter. Output from the Northern Ireland Index of Services for the fourth quarter of 2011 showed that output levels rose by 0.7% over the quarter compared with no change in the UK.
Commenting on the figures, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "The Northern Ireland unemployment rate has remained unchanged from the last quarter. Our current unemployment rate of 6.8% compares favourably to the equivalent rates for the UK (8.3%), European Union (10.1%) and Republic of Ireland (14.8%).
"Production sector output in Northern Ireland fell by 0.3% over the quarter, though this was smaller than the decline of 1.3% for the UK. It is noteworthy though that output in this key sector increased by 5.3% in 2011, compared to 2010, which is an encouraging sign. The Service sector gains in the last quarter of 2011, are also a positive indicator, though demand in 2011 as a whole was lower in the sector than in the previous year."
(CD)
Arlene Foster was speaking in Mumbai, where she is participating in an Invest Northern Ireland 24 company-strong trade mission.
Highlighting the key role export markets can play in helping boost the local economy the Minister continued: "The purpose of this visit is to generate export growth and stimulate further investment from the Middle East and India. Reliance on the indigenous market does not offer much potential for growth. This month's Index of Production figures show that businesses that are export oriented increased their output over the year despite the difficult economic circumstances."
Figures released for the period December 2011- February 2012 show that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate was unchanged over the quarter at 6.8%.
Although output from the Northern Ireland Production sector fell by 0.3% from Q3 2011 to Q4 2011, it increased by 5.3% in 2011 compared to 2010. The UK decreased by 1.3% over the quarter. Output from the Northern Ireland Index of Services for the fourth quarter of 2011 showed that output levels rose by 0.7% over the quarter compared with no change in the UK.
Commenting on the figures, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "The Northern Ireland unemployment rate has remained unchanged from the last quarter. Our current unemployment rate of 6.8% compares favourably to the equivalent rates for the UK (8.3%), European Union (10.1%) and Republic of Ireland (14.8%).
"Production sector output in Northern Ireland fell by 0.3% over the quarter, though this was smaller than the decline of 1.3% for the UK. It is noteworthy though that output in this key sector increased by 5.3% in 2011, compared to 2010, which is an encouraging sign. The Service sector gains in the last quarter of 2011, are also a positive indicator, though demand in 2011 as a whole was lower in the sector than in the previous year."
(CD)
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17 August 2011
Foster Admits Unemployment Is 'Challenging'
Unemployment remains on an upward trend, according to new statistics just issued, with the Stormont Minister responsible admitting the issue is a 'challenge'. The figures released today for the period April - June 2011 show that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate increased over the quarter to 7.3%.
Foster Admits Unemployment Is 'Challenging'
Unemployment remains on an upward trend, according to new statistics just issued, with the Stormont Minister responsible admitting the issue is a 'challenge'. The figures released today for the period April - June 2011 show that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate increased over the quarter to 7.3%.
05 August 2011
Slight Sales Rise In Subdued Housing Market
The most comprehensive survey of residential property in Northern Ireland has produced evidence of a slight growth in demand within the local housing market in the second quarter of 2011. However, it also showed that overall price levels remain subdued.
Slight Sales Rise In Subdued Housing Market
The most comprehensive survey of residential property in Northern Ireland has produced evidence of a slight growth in demand within the local housing market in the second quarter of 2011. However, it also showed that overall price levels remain subdued.
27 April 2011
Economic Recovery 'Slow'
Gross Domestic Product, (GDP) only grew modestly at the start of the year - but making it likely that the Bank of England will keep interest rates at record lows for some months. The faltering construction industry - across all of the UK - is hindering economy recovery with GDP expanded by only 0.
Economic Recovery 'Slow'
Gross Domestic Product, (GDP) only grew modestly at the start of the year - but making it likely that the Bank of England will keep interest rates at record lows for some months. The faltering construction industry - across all of the UK - is hindering economy recovery with GDP expanded by only 0.
16 November 2011
NI In Top Four Of UK Unemployment League
Details of the local labour market have been published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (NISRA) and taken along with parallel national data, some of it makes grim reading.
NI In Top Four Of UK Unemployment League
Details of the local labour market have been published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (NISRA) and taken along with parallel national data, some of it makes grim reading.
12 October 2011
Fourteen-year High As Unemployment Rises
The number of unemployment benefit claimants signing on in September increased by 500 on the previous month. This brings the total number out of work in Northern Ireland to 60,900, the highest level since September 1997. The number of unemployed people, aged 18 to 24, is estimated at 18%, meaning almost one in five cannot find a job.
Fourteen-year High As Unemployment Rises
The number of unemployment benefit claimants signing on in September increased by 500 on the previous month. This brings the total number out of work in Northern Ireland to 60,900, the highest level since September 1997. The number of unemployed people, aged 18 to 24, is estimated at 18%, meaning almost one in five cannot find a job.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
