PRESS RELEASE

8 March 2006

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM DISCUSSES NI’S COMPETITIVENESS

The Economic Development Forum (EDF) met yesterday to discuss Northern Ireland’s economic competitiveness.

The EDF is comprised of representatives of the private, voluntary and academic sectors, the trades unions and government. Representatives of the DUP, Sinn Fein, UUP and SDLP also attended today’s meeting.

Items on the agenda included a presentation from the Industrial Task Force, chaired by Sir George Quigley, on fiscal incentives and wider issues for the Northern Ireland economy.

Speaking after the meeting Michael Maguire, Chair of the Forum’s Skills Sub-group said: “Yesterday’s meeting gave representatives of the main stakeholders in Northern Ireland’s economy the opportunity to debate some very important issues. The Forum agreed that a more radical and step-change approach is needed to help the economy in transition and make it more sustainable going forward. Members recognised the need to have Government and public policies that adapt quickly to changing economic circumstances and that some form of fiscal incentives would be crucial to growing the private sector and achieving the aim of higher skilled and better jobs. In particular, the Forum welcomed Sir George Quigley’s presentation on the work of the Industrial Task Force.”

A first draft of the Regional Economic Strategy for Northern Ireland – to build on the Economic Vision, was also tabled for members’ consideration and comment. The Forum welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the evolution of the strategy which is aimed at moving the NI economy onto a higher growth trajectory.

David Dobbin, Chair of the Forum’s Innovation sub-group commented that, “Members of the Forum welcomed the opportunity to debate the emerging Regional Economic Strategy and to provide constructive feedback on this draft. In addition, members expressed their willingness to contribute further as the strategy is progressed. It is vital that all Northern Ireland’s economic stakeholders have the opportunity to contribute to this strategy, and the EDF has provided an appropriate and constructive forum for this.”

Notes to Editors

– Dates of Forum meetings as well as background information on the work of the Forum are available from www.edfni.com. Minutes of all Forum meetings will be published on the Forum’s website once agreed by Forum members. Papers for meetings are also available on request.

– The Economic Vision for Northern Ireland can be accessed at www.detini.gov.uk and www.pfgbudgetni.gov.uk.

– Media enquiries to DETI Press Office on 9052 9353 or email: pressoffice@detini.gov.uk.