The big sell gets underway in the Big Apple

First Minister, Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister,Martin McGuinness have started their US visit pushing the advantages offered by the corporation tax cut at a business breakfast attended by senior business leaders in New York.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Mar 2016, 21:41 BST
Updated 14th Mar 2016, 21:44 BST
First and Deputy First Ministers Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness pictured with Shaun Kelly, centre, global COO for KPMG International at their offices in Park Avenue with Invest NI CEO Alastair HamiltonFirst and Deputy First Ministers Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness pictured with Shaun Kelly, centre, global COO for KPMG International at their offices in Park Avenue with Invest NI CEO Alastair Hamilton
First and Deputy First Ministers Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness pictured with Shaun Kelly, centre, global COO for KPMG International at their offices in Park Avenue with Invest NI CEO Alastair Hamilton

The four day trip, incorporating St Patrick’s Day, will see the two leaders, backed by Invest NI CEO Alastair Hamilton, highlight Northern Ireland’s business advantages to potential investors.

“A reduced rate of corporation tax will significantly add to the attractiveness of Northern Ireland as an investment location for existing and potential new investors, as well as bring benefits to our local business base,” said Mrs Foster.

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“No region in Western Europe will have a lower rate of corporation tax. Coupled with government support for job creation, training and R&D, Northern Ireland will be one of the most attractive propositions in Western Europe.”

She added that a long and proud history of innovation excellence and a strong manufacturing heritage and pro-business economy had contributed to a new vibrancy across Northern Ireland.

“Over the last five years, Invest NI has helped to grow US investment in Northern Ireland by 233%.

“We want to continue that growth and I hope that the companies we are meeting with today will be part of that.”

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Mr McGuinness said the tax cut enabled the province to widen the search for potetial business investment.

“The benefit of a reduced tax rate will also mean we are able to bid for projects with companies that previously would not have considered us.

“Over a 10-year period, and from a zero start, we have become the number one region in the world for financial services technology investments, and number one in Europe for new software development projects.

“The US remains our largest source of foreign investors, with nearly 180 companies employing over 24,000 people here. We plan to build on this and convince more US companies the north of Ireland is the place to grow their business in Europe.”

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To accompany the visit, Invest NI has launched a new advertising campaign, created to raise awareness of Northern Ireland as an investment location.

The campaign has been backed by Hollywood star Liam Neeson who said the tax cut had the potential to help create thousands of new jobs.

“Jobs which are seriously needed and which will help revitalise towns like Ballymena by encouraging investment in both the manufacturing and service sectors.”

Related topics:Invest NIArlene FosterNorthern IrelandMartin McGuinnessFirst MinisterNew YorkJobs