01/12/2008

Ministers In 'Money From America' Trip

Securing further inward investment and promoting the local economy are top of a Christmas shopping list for Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson (pictured) and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness.

The top politicians have just arrived in Washington DC to begin a four day visit to the United States. During the course of their visit, the Ministers will participate in a series of meetings aimed at promoting the local economy and securing further inward investment.

On Monday evening the Ministers will attend the Fortune 500 dinner in Washington DC, where they will address the chief executive officers of some of the most successful companies in the United States.

Later in the week they will also meet with the Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg and the New York City Comptroller, William C Thompson Jnr.

Commenting, Mr Robinson said: "This is a very important week for Northern Ireland. Over the next few days the Deputy First Minister and I will be meeting with the higher echelons of corporate America.

"We will be delivering the message that despite the global economic downturn that Northern Ireland remains very much open for business," he said.

"The Northern Ireland Executive is determined now more than ever, to deliver upon its goal of developing a vibrant dynamic economy.

"This trip forms part of our overall objective of ensuring that the damage caused to Northern Ireland by the current economic crisis is kept to a minimum."

The DUP Leader's Sinn Fein Executive colleague, Martin McGuinness was keen to emphasise the existing good relationships with the USA.

He said: "Last May at the Investment Conference we delivered a very powerful message to corporate America, showcasing the wealth of opportunity that exists here for US business.

"This visit to the United States allows us to build on the many relationships and friendships that were established during that conference and establish new opportunities with the leading 500 American companies," he said

"The economy remains at the centre of the Executive's programme and one of the main reasons we are here this week is to remind American companies that we can provide an excellent opportunity for those who want to access the EU market."

(BMcC/KMcA)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

14 November 2006
'Enterprise Week' seminar targets social economy
Invest NI continued its series of 'Enterprise Week' events today with a seminar targeted at the social economy sector. The ‘Social Economy Counts’ seminar recognised the important role that social entrepreneurs play in building the local economy and encouraging social inclusion.
16 June 2006
NI economy continues to perform well
A report published today has shown that the Northern Ireland economy continues to perform well. The Northern Ireland labour market is currently benefiting from historically high levels of employment and continuing low unemployment, and the latest figures show that annual economic growth is above the UK average.
11 April 2007
Community Interest Companies for NI
A new type of company, a Community Interest Company, has been introduced in Northern Ireland, following the implementation of new legislation here.
15 March 2024
NI's 'Unique' Dual Market Access Highlighted To US Business Leaders
Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has highlighted the "unique trading position" offered by Northern Ireland's dual market access, in his address to a reception of business leaders in Washington, DC.
09 April 2024
Economy Minister Highlights Key Role Of Social Enterprises
Social enterprises play a key role in growing Northern Ireland's economy, Economy Minister Conor Murphy has said. The Minister was visiting the IncredABLE Café @ South Lake in Craigavon, a social enterprise who are making a difference to the lives of people with learning/intellectual difficulties and/or autism.