09/12/2003
Development Forum push for economic progress
Members of the Economic Development Forum (EDF) are determined to work together and pool their collective resources to strengthen the local economy.
This is according to Enterprise Minister, Ian Pearson who was speaking today at the 18th meeting of EDF at the offices of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) in Belfast.
Top of the agenda was a report on the work of the Forum’s Enterprise Sub-group which is chaired by Ian McMorris, Chairman of the CBI.
The Sub-group was set up in July 2003 to take action on a number of specified enterprise issues where the collective influence of the partnership might be brought to bear
Speaking at today’s meeting, Mr Pearson said: “Northern Ireland must have a competitive advantage if the Forum’s vision of significantly strengthening the local economy by the year 2010 is to become a reality.
"In recent months, the Enterprise Sub-group has examined a number of specific enterprise issues, including the need for differential fiscal incentives for Northern Ireland; research into the extent and impact of shadow economy activity in Northern Ireland; and proposals for hosting a major business summit in Northern Ireland during 2004.
“As I made clear in my speech to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, my view is that a ‘one size fits all’ policy in tax terms is not necessarily appropriate and we should be discussing regional tax breaks, including differential regional company tax rates, as potential mechanisms for stimulating enterprise and growth."
Also at today’s meeting, members heard presentations from the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) on the Review of Further Education and the Essential Skills Strategy and received updates on the implementation of the Regional Transportation Strategy and the work of the Employability Taskforce.
A representative from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) also presented a paper on the Mid-term Review of Common Agricultural Policy.
(MB)
This is according to Enterprise Minister, Ian Pearson who was speaking today at the 18th meeting of EDF at the offices of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) in Belfast.
Top of the agenda was a report on the work of the Forum’s Enterprise Sub-group which is chaired by Ian McMorris, Chairman of the CBI.
The Sub-group was set up in July 2003 to take action on a number of specified enterprise issues where the collective influence of the partnership might be brought to bear
Speaking at today’s meeting, Mr Pearson said: “Northern Ireland must have a competitive advantage if the Forum’s vision of significantly strengthening the local economy by the year 2010 is to become a reality.
"In recent months, the Enterprise Sub-group has examined a number of specific enterprise issues, including the need for differential fiscal incentives for Northern Ireland; research into the extent and impact of shadow economy activity in Northern Ireland; and proposals for hosting a major business summit in Northern Ireland during 2004.
“As I made clear in my speech to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, my view is that a ‘one size fits all’ policy in tax terms is not necessarily appropriate and we should be discussing regional tax breaks, including differential regional company tax rates, as potential mechanisms for stimulating enterprise and growth."
Also at today’s meeting, members heard presentations from the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) on the Review of Further Education and the Essential Skills Strategy and received updates on the implementation of the Regional Transportation Strategy and the work of the Employability Taskforce.
A representative from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) also presented a paper on the Mid-term Review of Common Agricultural Policy.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 July 2024
NI Social Enterprise Awards Extends Nomination Deadline
The deadline for entries to the 2024 Social Enterprise Northern Ireland Awards has been extended until midnight on Wednesday, July 31. This extension gives social enterprises the opportunity to submit their entries for one of the 16 prestigious awards. These awards are not just about recognition but come with significant benefits.
NI Social Enterprise Awards Extends Nomination Deadline
The deadline for entries to the 2024 Social Enterprise Northern Ireland Awards has been extended until midnight on Wednesday, July 31. This extension gives social enterprises the opportunity to submit their entries for one of the 16 prestigious awards. These awards are not just about recognition but come with significant benefits.
07 July 2011
Enterprise NI Focuses On Corporation Tax
The voice of enterprise needs to be heard clearly in the clamour of the current discussion of initiatives to stimulate growth in the private sector, according to the new chairman of Enterprise Northern Ireland.
Enterprise NI Focuses On Corporation Tax
The voice of enterprise needs to be heard clearly in the clamour of the current discussion of initiatives to stimulate growth in the private sector, according to the new chairman of Enterprise Northern Ireland.
13 January 2004
NI Economic Research Institute swings into operation
The new Economic Research Institute will play an important role in contributing to economic debate and understanding in Northern Ireland and in the development of the local economy", according to Ian Pearson Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.
NI Economic Research Institute swings into operation
The new Economic Research Institute will play an important role in contributing to economic debate and understanding in Northern Ireland and in the development of the local economy", according to Ian Pearson Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.
28 January 2004
Exploring Enterprise Programme helps local entrepreneurs
The Exploring Enterprise Programme is a new initiative aiming to help local entrepreneurs launch their own business successfully. The new initiative aims to help those people who aren’t ready to start up a business, but who wish to explore the entire concept of business start up.
Exploring Enterprise Programme helps local entrepreneurs
The Exploring Enterprise Programme is a new initiative aiming to help local entrepreneurs launch their own business successfully. The new initiative aims to help those people who aren’t ready to start up a business, but who wish to explore the entire concept of business start up.
20 September 2002
Sustainable development does not mean 'sacrificing economic progress'
Recognising the importance of sustainable development does not mean sacrificing economic progress, the First and Deputy First Ministers said today.
Sustainable development does not mean 'sacrificing economic progress'
Recognising the importance of sustainable development does not mean sacrificing economic progress, the First and Deputy First Ministers said today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.