03 Apr 2008
Newry can show us how regeneration is done – Robinson
The Finance Minister assured Northern Ireland business leaders today of his personal determination to drive forward our economic growth and transformation.
Addressing a sizeable cross section of the business community at a Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade business lunch, Rt Hon Peter Robinson MP, MLA cited the city as an example of how the Northern Ireland economy can be transformed.
He said:
“As most of you will know, the goal of improving the economic future of Northern Ireland is one that is very close to my heart. So it is appropriate today that I am able to comment on the challenges that confront small regional economies, such as Northern Ireland, while here in Newry. In Newry we have a fine example of a location that has transformed itself in a relatively short period of time."
The Minister said that the Executive is working hard to ensure that targeted policies are in place to address the wide variety of issues facing the local economy. And he stressed the Executive’s commitment to prioritising economic development:
“Fundamentally, Northern Ireland’s economic prosperity is in the hands of its devolved Ministers. This is why we have made growing a dynamic and innovative economy the top priority over the lifetime of the Programme for Government.
“By focusing on the four key drivers of productivity – skills, infrastructure, innovation and enterprise, productivity growth will drive our economic development. This is vital if we are to provide the wealth and resources required to build a peaceful, prosperous, fair and healthy society.
“To bring this about we have agreed a range of actions that will contribute towards achieving our key economic targets. These include halving the private sector productivity gap with the UK, excluding the Greater South East and increasing the employment rate from 70% to 75% by 2020. ”
The Minister paid tribute to Newry’s success in attracting work for its citizens:
“Over the past 20 years the number of employee jobs in Newry and Mourne has increased by 68%. This compares favourably with the growth in employee jobs throughout the rest of Northern Ireland over the same period, which was estimated at 40%.”
Mr Robinson highlighted the need to attract high value-added companies to ensure economic growth. He pointed to two important drivers for change – the ‘roadmap for competitiveness’ expected from the forthcoming report by Sir David Varney and the high profile Northern Ireland/US Investment Conference in May which he described as an excellent opportunity to sell the potential of our economy.
Notes to Editors:
- The Finance Minister was speaking at a Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade business lunch event at the Canal Court Hotel. The theme of the speech was'Shaping Northern Ireland’s Economic Future from a Greater Newry Area’s Perspective’.
- The Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade is a voluntary organisation representing in excess of 150 local businesses of varying sizes from all sectors of business community. The Chamber represents its member’s interests by encouraging business growth, creating employment and promoting the Greater Newry Area as an advantageous location for business and a rewarding tourist destination. Newry Chamber is a member of both the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Chambers of Commerce Ireland.
- Media enquiries only to DFP Press Office on 028 9052 7644 or 028 9052 27375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
