Press Release
9 June 2004

NI BUSINESSES MUST SEIZE GROWING OPPORTUNITIES IN EUROPE SAYS ECONOMIC FORUM

Northern Ireland companies must be quick to respond to the opportunities presented by EU Enlargement or risk missing the boat.  That was the message at today’s meeting of the Economic Development Forum (EDF).

Chairing the meeting in Belfast, Bruce Robinson, Permanent Secretary, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and Deputy Chairman of the Forum, said: “The importance of the European Union has never been greater.  Enlargement will increase the purchasing power of the new member states and, as a result, increase the demand for EU goods and services.  Old barriers to trade will be dismantled, labour migration will increase and there will be more opportunities to collaborate and establish production supply chains in the new member states to service NI firms.  But EU enlargement will also bring greater competition and while many NI companies are responding, even more need to move quickly to build effective partnerships, capitalise on NI’s existing strengths and make the most of the opportunities that now exist.”

At today’s meeting, members heard of the successes NI has already realised through the work of NI-CO, particularly in relation to EU Twinning initiatives.  NI-CO was established by DETI in 1992 to market the skills and expertise of the Northern Ireland public service overseas.  Speaking at today’s meeting, Denis Rooney, Institute of Directors, said: “EU enlargement offers NI businesses new opportunities as well as new challenges.  In order to benefit, local companies must become much more outward looking.  They must actively pursue external markets and establish effective partnerships if they are to make the most of opportunities overseas.”

Members also discussed the recent All-Island Competitiveness Forum held in Belfast last week.  This event, which EDF helped organise, fulfilled one of the commitments in the EDF Action Plan published in March 2003.  Ian McMorris, CBI, said: “All members of EDF recognise the importance of enhancing the competitiveness of local companies.  Events such as the Competitiveness Forum are important in helping us better understand the linkages between competitiveness and productivity and allow us to learn lessons from other successful regions.  EDF members look forward to supporting similar events in the future.”

At today’s meeting members also discussed developments relating to DETI’s Research Agenda, DEL’s Employability Taskforce and proposed Skills Strategy and DRD’s Regional Transportation Strategy.

Notes for Editors

Further information about the Forum can be viewed or downloaded at www.edfni.com

Further information about NI-CO can be viewed or downloaded at www.nico.org.uk

Media enquiries to DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9353 or email: pressoffice@detini.gov.uk