PRESS RELEASE
18 December 2007

ECONOMY IS THE KEY TO FUTURE PROSPERITY AND TACKLING SOCIAL DISADVANTAGE

The Economic Development Forum (EDF) has welcomed the Executive's commitment to make the development of Northern Ireland's economy its number one priority.

At its quarterly meeting last Thursday, the Forum, chaired by Economy Minister Nigel Dodds, discussed the draft Programme for Government, Budget and Investment Strategy.

Members of the Forum welcome the fact that 'growing the economy' is the Executive's top priority over the lifetime of the Programme for Government. Members also commended the significant shift in the balance of public policy priorities in Northern Ireland.

In relation to the draft Budget and Investment Strategy, Members welcome the allocations to economic development but expressed concern that inadequate investment in skills would limit the achievement of goals set out in the Programme for Government. Members called on the Executive to invest in skills today to ensure that society may reap the benefits of their success tomorrow.

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds acknowledged the broad endorsement from EDF members for the Executive's proposals: "I am convinced that we must achieve greater levels of economic growth and prosperity if we are to improve living standards generally and address social disadvantage."

Members also discussed the first draft of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's Corporate Plan for 2008 to 2011 and the work of the Forum's Economic Vision Sub-groups.

NOTES TO EDITORS

EDF was established in 1999 to provide a formal mechanism through which key organisations could advise Northern Ireland Ministers on issues relating to the development and future competitiveness of the economy. It is chaired by the Economy Minister.

On Thursday 13th December, the Economic Development Forum held its 33rd meeting and its 3rd since the restoration of devolution.

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 agenda at today's Forum meeting covered the draft Programme for Government, the draft Budget, the draft Investment Strategy, the draft DETI Corporate Plan and the work of the Forum's Innovation, Enterprise, Skills and Infrastructure Sub-groups.

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