Foster To Seek Canadian Investment

Canada is to be in focus next week as the country is targeted for increased commercial development.

With around 70 companies already exporting across the Atlantic, the NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster will fly out to promote trade and tourism links with Northern Ireland and meet existing investors.

She is due to participate in two days of meetings in Toronto and Montreal.

Speaking in advance of her visit, the Minister said: "Canada is an important trading partner for Northern Ireland, both as a market for locally produced goods and services, and as a source of inward investment.

"We currently have some 70 Northern Ireland companies exporting to Canada but I am convinced that there is scope for many more to do so and to grow the current £375million of manufacturing exports further.

"I therefore intend to meet with key business influencers and companies to promote the Northern Ireland business proposition.

"Local businesses, such as Cookstown-based FSL Electronics, have won their first contracts as a direct result of participation on Invest NI trade missions to the region. The company used Invest NI's most recent trade mission in March, to finalise a deal to provide one of its electronic scoreboards to the prestigious Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club, giving it a valuable foothold in this large market," she said.

The Minister believes the visit is vital to demonstrate her and the Executive's commitment to those major investors here in Northern Ireland.

"I will also be meeting senior management at both Bombardier and Nortel, two of our long established inward investors.

"At a time when both of these companies are feeling the effects of the challenging economic global conditions in different ways, it is important that I and my Ministerial colleagues continue to engage with them and to reaffirm the commitment of the Executive to providing the most supportive environment possible to them," she continued.

The Minister also highlighted Project Kelvin, Northern Ireland's new direct international communications link with North America, as being a key element for attracting inward investment into the region.

She continued: "Project Kelvin will be an important factor in developing further trade development initiatives, and increasing the attractiveness of Northern Ireland as an inward investment location for Canadian companies.

"This two day visit will allow me to promote this new direct international communications link between Northern Ireland and Canada.

"Project Kelvin will transform how we connect to both North America and Europe, opening up new markets and new trade opportunities for Northern Ireland companies."

Arlene Foster will also meet with Canadian tour operators and travel media during her two day visit.

(BMcC/JM)