Economic change brings challenges for province

Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, has addressed the Belfast East Rotary Club on the economic challenges facing the province.

Explaining how his Department has been realigned to take account of the creation of Invest Northern Ireland and its new economic agenda, and changes to the role and remit of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Minister said that with the birth of the new agency would come a change in the overall role of his Department.

He added: "There will now be a very clear distinction between policy development and service delivery. In future we will place greater emphasis on the skills and resources needed to develop economic and industrial policy and support economic research.

“While my Department will formulate policy, delivery of services will be the responsibility of Invest Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Health & Safety Executive and the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland.

“Details of exactly how we plan to deliver on economic priorities are contained in the draft Corporate Plan 2002–2005 which is due to be published within the next few weeks, following an eight week consultation period.

“Creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship will be a key challenge for Invest Northern Ireland, particularly in the area of research and development. This is an issue that will be addressed, at least in part, by the Foundation of the Northern Ireland Science Park, the first phase of which I launched last month.

“The Northern Ireland Science Park is a vital initiative that will help Northern Ireland achieve the sort of future economy we all want. It illustrates the commitment of the Northern Ireland Executive to ensuring that the Government support mechanism for businesses of all sizes in Northern Ireland is the best possible, enabling them to meet the ever-changing needs of the knowledge-based global economy in the 21st Century.”

The Rotary Club of Belfast East was established in 1968 and currently has a membership of 44 representing a wide range of commercial and professional interests including academia, accountancy, quantity surveying, tourism and general medical practice.

(MB)