US investment key to the local economy
INWARD investment will remain a crucial tool in developing the economy of Northern Ireland, First and Deputy First Ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness said yesterday.
Speaking in advance of the forthcoming investment mission to the United States, the men highlighted the difference that inward investment has already made and outlined the potential for future investment.
“This will be my third visit as First Minister to the US to discuss potential investment opportunities with US based companies,” said Mr Robinson.
“The results of these visits are there for all to see.”
In the past year alone he said some of America’s best know brand names had invested in the Province.
“The New York Stock Exchange announced that it would expand its technologies division in Belfast, creating up to 400 new jobs.
“Universal Pictures completed the filming of ‘Your Highness’, a multi-million dollar feature film at the Paint Hall in Belfast. This film alone infused nearly 10m into the local economy, employing hundreds of cast and crew from Northern Ireland. In June, HBO will begin filming ‘Game of Thrones’ in the Paint Hall, a nine part television series that could potentially be worth 20m.”
Mr McGuinness said that despite perhaps the most economically difficult year in living memory, Northern Ireland had succeeded in attracting significant inward investment.
“We have competed with other regions and have won significant investment. The reason that we are outperforming others is, I believe, quite simple.
“Investors recognise we have the local talent and expertise to build and grow their businesses.
“Over the course of next week’s trip our comprehensive programme will see us meet with a wide range of potential investors and political leaders. We shall spend our time promoting and selling the benefits of investing in the North. I have no doubt that, as with previous trips, this trip will lead to investment and the creation of jobs in the future.”
The Ministers will begin their visit with a series of investment meetings in Chicago where they will also meet Mayor Richard M Daley, before heading to Washington DC for further investment meetings. On St. Patrick's Day, the men will meet with US President Barack Obama, having earlier met Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
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Weather for Belfast
Thursday 24 May 2012
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