Addressing the delegates at a welcome reception at the Transport Museum, Cultra, the Minister said: “This conference welcomes the largest and most influential business delegation ever to visit Northern Ireland at any one time.
“This is a unique opportunity for us to showcase the region, an opportunity we are determined to take.
“When Invest Northern Ireland first started planning for this conference, we had hoped to attract 30 to 40 senior executives from major US corporations operating in those market sectors where we see the best opportunities for future inward investment. With the recent volatility in global markets, the timing was questioned and many doubted that we would achieve this target.
“We are therefore delighted that over 100 senior representatives of US businesses have been sufficiently intrigued to take the time from their busy schedules to come over from the United States, a majority for the first time.
“In the past 10 years we have seen many positive developments in our economy, with North American investment having played an important role in growing Northern Ireland.
“Over the course of the next couple of days, you will hear the compelling reasons why we believe you should be investing in Northern Ireland and why now. You will find a Province which is open for business and a government which is deeply committed to working with business, for business.
“Alongside the Northern Ireland Executive, both governments and the US administration, I know that we have the full support of all NI plc, and in particular our two primary private sector supporters, Northern Bank and BT – such is the importance attached to this conference.”
President Bush’s Special Envoy on Northern Ireland Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky also attended the welcome event in the Transport Museum.
The Ambassador said: "The United States has been genuinely impressed with Northern Ireland's collective efforts to utilize its economic potential. In my previous visits, I have witnessed a region that is brimming with new opportunities, an excellent quality of life and an infrastructure that is ideal for foreign investment. I am confident that our delegates will return home with those very same observations, and I hope that substantial and mutually beneficial business relationships will eventually emerge as a result."
The US delegates were welcomed to Northern Ireland by Sarah McKegney a first year Accountancy student at Queen’s University, Belfast. Sarah was previously named Managing Director of the Year at the UK finals of the Young Enterprise Company programme whilst at secondary school and was awarded the Salomon Award for Leadership, beating off competition from 3,900 others. She has also represented Northern Ireland at the Fedex Junior Leadership Conference in Florida and, this summer, will be a member of the Washington Ireland Program for service and leadership.
In her opening remarks, Sarah said: “The Northern Ireland that I live in today is one of optimism and opportunity. My generation looks forward to being able to stay, to work and to live in Northern Ireland. By investing in us, you are gaining access to the European market and we’re ready to go to work.”
Delegates also sampled a “Taste of Ulster” with speciality foods served up from each of the six counties of Northern Ireland. The cuisine was prepared by six celebrated local chefs, under the guidance of Noel McMeel, Head chef at the Lough Erne Golf Resort, who has co-ordinated all of the menus over the course of the conference.
In conclusion, Minister Dodds said: “As you talk to the many existing investors, representatives of NI business, community groups, stakeholders, and young people here this evening, you will feel a vibrancy which reflects a region growing in confidence and which is saying quite clearly that Northern Ireland is a great place to live in, to work in and to invest in – we are very much open for business.”
“Whilst the Conference has been many months in the planning, we do not see it as an end. Rather, we hope that this is the start of many new relationships which are mutually beneficial.”
The primary private sector supporters of the Conference are Northern Bank and BT.
Notes to Editors:
- For further information, please contact DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9510.
- Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager Number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
- To access photography from this evening’s event in the Transport Museum, Cultra, place go to the presseye's website
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