NI business lobbies EU's trade commissioners

The Derry Investment Initiative (DII) has hosted an event for trade commissioners from 15 EU states, 10 states soon to join the EU and 12 heads of Bilateral Chambers of Commerce to promote business opportunities in Northern Ireland.

The event, ‘Business Opportunities in Northern Ireland’ at the Austrian Embassy in London, was organised by DII in partnership with Invest NI, Derry City Council and Investment Belfast.

Speaking in London, NIO Trade Minister Ian Pearson said: "Northern Ireland’s transformation into an innovation-driven economy, harnessing the creativity of its people and the commercial potential of its scientific and technological excellence, provides significant investment and trade opportunities for European companies.”

Mr Pearson called for the development of existing strong links between Northern Ireland and other parts of Europe.

He also encouraged Northern Ireland companies to take a "global view" and to grow their business by developing trade and exploring technology transfer with potential partners in Europe.

Northern Ireland's well educated and highly motivated workforce, customised business solutions from Invest NI, pro-business government and supportive infrastructure, made the province an attractive zone for investment, Mr Pearson added.

International companies such as Thales, Michelin, Montupet, Preussag AG, Arntz Opti-Belt, Triumph Adler and Pernod Ricard, as well as US and Asian businesses, such as Nortel Networks, DuPont, Caterpillar, Bombardier, Seagate Technology, Acer and Ryobi, are all present in Northern Ireland.

The £2bn Strategic Investment Programme, being planned by the government over the next five years, is also intended to make Northern Ireland more attractive for global companies seeking an effective business location.

The event was hosted by Dr Alexander Christiani, the Austrian Ambassador, and included a presentation from Jim Dougal, Head of the European Commission in the UK.

(GMcG)