Japanese Ambassador Attends NI Business Delegation

Invest Northern Ireland has welcomed a business delegation to Northern Ireland as part of a two day trip to boost trade, inward investment and tourism links.

The delegation, which included the Japanese Ambassador to the UK, Keiichi Hayashi, potential investors and trade representatives, spent two days meeting a number of companies, stakeholders and business leaders as well as representatives from local universities and colleges.

Alastair Hamilton, Chief Executive of Invest NI said: "We were delighted to welcome the Ambassador and his business delegation to Northern Ireland and have the opportunity to strengthen business links between our two regions. Securing inward investment and boosting trade opportunities remains a key priority and in the current difficult economic climate it is essential that we continue to highlight the strengths of the Northern Ireland offering.

"Since April 2011, 65 inward investment projects have been secured for this region by Invest NI, promoting over 2,700 jobs and delivering over £74.5 million in gross salaries to the economy. That is an excellent record and one that has been achieved through hard work, and in the face of intense global competition.

"Moving forward, there remains significant potential to secure additional investment, as well as grow export opportunities in key markets like Japan. The G8 Summit which will be held in Fermanagh later this year will allow us an opportunity to further develop such international relationships."

(CD)