NI 'profitable' for US investment says Gardiner

Innovative cutting edge technology in Northern Ireland makes it a profitable place for United States investment.

That was the key message from Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Barry Gardiner, when he addressed an audience of business leaders in Philadelphia.

The conference, entitled ‘Developing Technology Partnerships: A Dialogue with N. Ireland’ is part of a three day tour of the US by the Minister to stimulate economic development and investment in Northern Ireland.

Speaking in Philadelphia, Mr Gardiner said: "Northern Ireland has a very special economic relationship with the United States. I am keen to build on that.

"We are transforming Northern Ireland into a region of global innovation. Cutting edge research in our universities has the power to generate much wealth both for Northern Ireland and the United States through partnerships and business alliances. Taking technology out of the laboratories and into the commercial world will be crucial in making these partnerships create more wealth and more jobs."

Mr Gardiner said the conference had provided an opportunity to demonstrate best practices in Northern Ireland to key business people.

"Researchers in the University of Ulster have pioneered new techniques that could save lives in the event of bio-terrorist attacks through quickly detecting killer bugs in the water supply," he said. "Our universities, in partnership with the US National Institute of Health, are developing future treatments for cancer, diabetes and cystic fibrosis.

"Northern Ireland has a proven track record in working with US businesses. Today, we wanted to highlight the opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships and build new ones to develop wealth and create jobs in both of our countries."

Mr Gardiner’s three-day trip to the United States included engagements with key economic strategists and business people in Washington and Philadelphia.

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