NI Firms Impress Potential Investors At Trade Show

Northern Ireland has much to offer US investors who are looking for a European base.

That was the message from Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster at the conclusion of a four-day trade mission to the West Coast.

Speaking in Chicago after meeting with key members of the business community, the Minister said useful contacts had been made in the drive to encourage more investment from the US.

She said: "By working in partnership with the British American Business Council of Chicago, Invest Northern Ireland is continuing to further develop relationships with existing investors and reaching out to potential new clients.

"We know what Northern Ireland has to offer potential investors, but it’s important to ensure that the detail of that offering reaches those businesses directly. With 2,000 member companies, including many of the world's largest multinationals, the British American Business Council offers many opportunities to spread the word about why it makes sense for US companies to choose Northern Ireland as their European base.

"Our track record speaks for itself. Outside of London, Belfast is the UK’s most attractive city for foreign investment. Recent figures show that last year, on a per capita basis, Northern Ireland secured almost 40% more new inward investment jobs than the next best region in the UK."

(CD)