Bush Adds His Voice Of Support For NI

As if the attendance of President Bush's Special Envoy on Northern Ireland Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky wasn't enough - George Bush himself has now featured at this week's US-NI Investment Conference.

He has sent a video message of support to delegates at the North American investment conference in Belfast.

The President said it was clear Northern Ireland was "open to foreign investment".

"The United States will continue to support the people of Northern Ireland as you take charge of your future, and we share with you the firm belief that even greater opportunities for co-operation lie ahead," he added.

President Bush's intervention followed an address at the welcome event in the NI Transport Museum last night when his Ambassador said: "The United States has been genuinely impressed with Northern Ireland's collective efforts to utilize its economic potential.

"In my previous visits, I have witnessed a region that is brimming with new opportunities, an excellent quality of life and an infrastructure that is ideal for foreign investment.

"I am confident that our delegates will return home with those very same observations, and I hope that substantial and mutually beneficial business relationships will eventually emerge as a result," said Paula J. Dobriansky.

Meanwhile, European Union President Jose Manuel Barroso also sent an upbeat video message.

He said: "Northern Ireland now has a great chance to build on its new political momentum, its well-educated workforce and its international ties.

"I am sure that foreign investors already established in Northern Ireland will soon be joined by more, and then Northern Ireland will take its place on the map as a region embedded in a broader network in a new Europe which is the foundation stone for our future prosperity."

Earlier, NI Economy Minister Nigel Dodds welcomed 'Corporate America' to Northern Ireland.

Addressing the delegates, the Minister said: "This conference welcomes the largest and most influential business delegation ever to visit Northern Ireland at any one time.

"This is a unique opportunity for us to showcase the region, an opportunity we are determined to take.

"When Invest Northern Ireland first started planning for this conference, we had hoped to attract 30 to 40 senior executives from major US corporations operating in those market sectors where we see the best opportunities for future inward investment. With the recent volatility in global markets, the timing was questioned and many doubted that we would achieve this target.

"We are therefore delighted that over 100 senior representatives of US businesses have been sufficiently intrigued to take the time from their busy schedules to come over from the United States, a majority for the first time," he said.

Delegates also sampled a 'Taste of Ulster' with speciality foods served up from each of the six counties of Northern Ireland.

The cuisine was prepared by six celebrated local chefs, under the guidance of Noel McMeel, Head Chef at the Lough Erne Golf Resort, who has co-ordinated all of the menus over the course of the conference.

(BMcC)