Ambassador leads business delegation to Northern Ireland

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds today welcomed a US business delegation, led by Ambassador Paula J Dobriansky, President Bush's Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, to Queen’s University, Belfast.

The Minister hosted a reception for the Ambassador and the latest group of American business representatives to arrive in Northern Ireland, in advance of the May Investment Conference.

Speaking at the Great Hall, Queen’s University, Minister Dodds said: “I was able to secure this visit during my last trip to the United States. Visits such as this are key elements in marketing the May conference and in raising awareness, interest and likely participation in the event from Corporate America.

“The importance which the US administration places on the conference is reflected by the presence here, not only of Ambassador Dobriansky, but also by the Head of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) Robert Mossbacher.”

During the two day visit, the delegation will learn about the growth of R&D and innovation in the Northern Ireland economy.

Minister Dodds continued: “With a clear focus on R & D opportunities, the delegates will see the strength of our innovation infrastructure, including the Centres of Excellence at both Queen’s and the University of Ulster, and the Innovation Centre at the Northern Ireland Science Park.

“They will also have the opportunity to hear from a number of Northern Ireland’s most innovative IT companies on their ambitious growth plans. John Roese, the Chief Technical Officer of Nortel, one of our long established inward investors, has travelled with the delegation and will share his thoughts on the future of telecoms technology.

“The targeted programme, which Invest NI have put in place for this visit, will give potential investors first hand experience of the growing investment which our local companies are making in innovation. They will also learn about our skilled and well-educated workforce, and of how our internationally recognised universities and centres of excellence place commercial exploitation of R&D and innovation at the heart of the academic and skills agenda.”

Ambassador Paula Dobriansky, the US Special Envoy on Northern Ireland and Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, believes the two day visit will assist with the joint preparations for May’s investment conference.

The Ambasador said: "I am delighted to be back in Northern Ireland as part of the US Government's ongoing efforts to showcase the region as an excellent place to do business.

“I am joined by Robert J. Mossbacher Jr., President and CEO of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and Barbara Matthews, Treasury Attaché at the U.S. Mission to the EU.

“Collectively, we will be listening to local business leaders and learning more about the economic opportunities that exist in high value employment sectors, such as research and development and innovation.

“Last Friday’s announcement that the international hotel group, Marriott International, is set to invest in Belfast, is very encouraging news. This will send strong signals to potential international investors that now is the time to choose Northern Ireland as an investment location. We must build on such achievements and continue to work towards securing more of the same.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) was established as an agency of the U.S. government in 1971. OPIC helps U.S. businesses invest overseas, fosters economic development in new and emerging markets, complements the private sector in managing risks associated with foreign direct investment, and supports U.S. foreign policy.
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