Dodds secures next USA inward investment visit

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds confirmed the next US inward investment visit will take place on 25 and 26 February 2008.

The Minister confirmed the dates, after his meeting at the State Department in Washington, with the Honorable, Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs and the President’s Special Envoy on Northern Ireland.

Minister Dodds said: “I can confirm that the next US inward investment visit to Northern Ireland will take place on 25 and 26 February 2008.

“Such visits are extremely important in promoting and generating support for the US/NI Investment Conference, set to take place next year. The visits allow us to showcase Northern Ireland, as a region with greater stability, hope and optimism for the future, as well as demonstrate our hi-tech expertise, strong infrastructure and the great lifestyle we have on offer.

“My meeting today, with Ambassador Dobriansky, was very encouraging and we both reaffirmed our commitment to forging and developing ever-stronger business links between the US and Northern Ireland.

“I, and my Executive colleagues, are determined to work closely with the US Administration and business partners to ensure the success of the next inward investment visit. These visits and the conference, will build upon existing and new relationships with the aim to strengthen the Northern Ireland economy for the benefit of all our people.”

Susan Elliott, US Consul General believes both the forthcoming inward investment visit and conference must focus on the growing sectors of strength in Northern Ireland.

Ms Elliott said: “Northern Ireland needs to market its strengths to a targeted US business audience. It must focus on the key high-value, knowledge-based sectors. Increased levels of inward investment from such sectors can contribute to improvements in growth and productivity needed to increase the economic prosperity of Northern Ireland in the longer term.”

The Minister also took the opportunity to extend his thanks to the US Ambassadors who led the last inward investment visit to Northern Ireland in October. He said: “I would like to thank Robert Holmes Tuttle, US Ambassador to the UK and Thomas C Foley, US Ambassador to the Irish Republic. Their visit was a great success and received positive feedback. I am now looking forward to welcoming the next visit in February next year.”

Notes to Editors:

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