Antrim Firm Announces Partnership Deal

The First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter D Robinson MLA, and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA concluded their week-long business mission to China with an announcement of a significant contract for county Antrim company, Texthelp.

Texthelp has agreed a partnership deal with the China Education Alliance (CEA), a provider of online education and onsite training in China.

Speaking after the agreement had been signed, the First Minister said: "I welcome this extremely significant development for one of our leading software businesses which underlines Northern Ireland’s standing as a centre of excellence for software development.

"This announcement comes at the end of a very successful trade and business mission which has underlined the importance of developing relationships with countries such as China.

"By constantly focusing on generating new business in external markets, firms such as Texthelp are bringing success to Northern Ireland and adding significant value to our economy. I look forward to observing the progress of the partnership between Texthelp and CEA and to celebrating the success of their new venture."

Emphasising the importance of building international relations the deputy First Minister said: "China represents a very substantial growth opportunity for many local companies and I congratulate Texthelp for expanding and developing their software into international markets. Texthelp’s overseas success demonstrates the value of investing in research and development to help increase export success.

"Growing exports is a priority for the Executive in our steps to rebuild our economy. Success stories such as this are evidence of the right focus and approach on innovation and development of new markets."

As part of the partnership, Texthelp will be providing a specifically adapted version of its English Hero software which assists English language learning through an easy-to-use toolbar containing support tools for students. CEA will be using the software to support its English Language learning students in China.

(CD)