NI businesses must seize opportunities in Europe

Northern Ireland companies must be quick to respond to the opportunities presented by EU Enlargement or risk missing the boat.

That was the message at today’s meeting of the Economic Development Forum (EDF) chaired by Permanent Secretary, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and Deputy Chairman of the Forum, Bruce Robinson.

Mr Robinson said the importance of the European Union had never been greater. He added: "Enlargement will increase the purchasing power of the new member states and, as a result, increase the demand for EU goods and services.

"Old barriers to trade will be dismantled, labour migration will increase and there will be more opportunities to collaborate and establish production supply chains in the new member states to service NI firms.

"But EU enlargement will also bring greater competition and while many NI companies are responding, even more need to move quickly to build effective partnerships, capitalise on NI’s existing strengths and make the most of the opportunities that now exist."

At today’s meeting, members heard of the successes NI has already realised through the work of NI-CO, particularly in relation to EU Twinning initiatives.

NI-CO was established by DETI in 1992 to market the skills and expertise of the Northern Ireland public service overseas. Speaking at today’s meeting, Denis Rooney, Institute of Directors, added: “EU enlargement offers NI businesses new opportunities as well as new challenges. In order to benefit, local companies must become much more outward looking. They must actively pursue external markets and establish effective partnerships if they are to make the most of opportunities overseas."

Members also discussed the recent All-Island Competitiveness Forum held in Belfast last week. This event, which EDF helped organise, fulfilled one of the commitments in the EDF Action Plan published in March 2003.

(MB)