Minister appeals for views on NI Economic Vision

The Enterprise Minister has urged all parties with an interest in the future of the economy to respond to the consultation on the draft Economic Vision for Northern Ireland.

Addressing members of the Ulster Society of Chartered Accountants in Belfast, Enterprise Minister Barry Gardiner said: “The draft Economic Vision paper outlines a commitment to make Northern Ireland one of the most competitive and productive UK and international regions. Through this vision, we are placing the economy at the heart of Northern Ireland’s future, leading to greater wealth creation and better employment opportunities for all.

“This vision is intended to provide a focus for a cohesive approach to the economy, right across government departments, and working alongside the private and voluntary sectors and the trade unions. It is based on four key economic drivers: innovation; enterprise; skills and infrastructure.

“The realisation of this vision is not the responsibility of Government alone. Its success will depend on close collaboration with the business, academic and voluntary sectors, the trade unions and the local political parties, and the whole-hearted commitment of all stakeholders.”

Mr Gardiner announced plans to publish new economic analysis material as part of the drive to further stimulate the debate on the local economy and the DETI will produce two new publications in 2005.

These are intended to provide a clearer picture of the performance of the NI economy and will integrate the wide range of existing official economic statistics with other material, including the results produced from DETI’s research and evaluation programme.”

A quarterly economic review will be published, commencing in January 2005, providing a short overview of the economy, and including a special features section, which will be tailored each quarter with a link to one of the four drivers in the Economic Vision.

A detailed annual economic bulletin will be produced in June 2005, including secondary analysis of existing statistical series, short articles on economic research and contributions from researchers and economic commentators, both within and outside of Government, on a range of relevant topics.

Mr Gardiner said that the consultation represented a valuable opportunity for everyone with a stake in the future of the economy to have a say in creating an economic focus for Northern Ireland.

(SP)