Robinson hails landmark financial services deal
Today’s announcement by the Republic of Ireland’s Finance Minister, Brian Cowen, that Northern Ireland can play a key role in providing additional financial service skills to companies based at the International Financial Services Centre in Dublin, has been welcomed by Finance Minister, Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP, MLA.
Speaking following today’s news conference at the Northern Ireland Science Park, Mr Robinson described it as a commonsense move which would benefit the financial services industry, both in Northern Ireland and also in the Republic, allowing a competitive advantage in international financial services.
He said:
“This is a boost for business on both sides of the border and demonstrates how such practical co-operation can be to the benefit of everyone. In today’s economic climate it is important that we seek to exploit whatever economic opportunities arise for us that can benefit the people who live here. I have been working on this issue with Brian Cowen for a number of months and am delighted that we have been able to reach an agreement that will be to the benefit of us all.
“This is a win-win result for our two economies. We have a well-deserved reputation as a centre of excellence. We have a well educated workforce and we are seen across the world as ‘can-do’ people who have the will to work and to do the job well.
“While some questioned the extent to which the Executive’s Budget focused on economic growth, I make no apologies for it. The Executive’s greatest challenge is to create a peaceful, stable society with a vibrant economy in which everyone is able to play their part and to benefit.
“For years people have been talking glibly about cross-border co-operation that is to the mutual benefit of people in Northern Ireland and the Republic. This is what it looks like. For the Republic it allows for the expansion of an already significant Financial Services sector and for Northern Ireland it provides the potential of thousands of high value-added jobs.
“Thanks must go to officials in Invest Northern Ireland, my own Department and also to the Department of Finance in Dublin who have played a key role in bringing this announcement to fruition. The world is our marketplace and today’s news will put us in a better position to take full advantage of it.”
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