18/06/2001

PROVINCE ON TARGET FOR 10,000 NEW JOBS

COMPANIES in Northern Ireland are seizing the opportunities of the Information Age, according to a recent Progress Report published by the Information Age Initiative (IAI).

Professor Monds, Chairman of the Information Age Initiative (IAI), said: "Northern Ireland businesses are actively seizing the opportunities provided by the Information Age and I am pleased to report that substantial progress has been made against the three key priorities set out in our Strategic Framework and Action Plan – ‘Leapfrog to the Information Age’

"Excellent progress is being made against our target of creating 10,000 new jobs in this knowledge sector by 2005. Despite the downturn in the global ICT sector Northern Ireland has secured the promise of over 2000 new jobs in the last 12 months. Each investment helps to ensure that Northern Ireland is positioned as a leading ICT region in Europe."

The IAI has also selected more than thirty projects to receive assistance from Agenda for Government and EU Peace and Reconciliation Funds. It is anticipated that these projects could impact on numerous small and medium sized businesses in Northern Ireland and have the potential of creating some 400 new jobs.

Recent months have also seen the introduction of new e-business services by DETI and T&EA and more proactive support is being provided at local level by business support organisations.

Professor Monds added: "Our job is not yet over. We cannot become complacent and must keep ahead of the pack to ensure all Northern Ireland businesses become e-businesses and we truly have a knowledge economy. I would encourage all companies to explore how the Information Age can add real value to their business." (CL)

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