Press Release
19 June 2009
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster chaired the Economic Development Forum (EDF) in Belfast yesterday, where the focus was on strengthening exports and manufacturing performance.
At the outset of the meeting, and speaking on behalf of the Forum, Arlene Foster condemned the recent attacks on the Romanian community living and working in Belfast.
The Minister said: “The Economic Development Forum today joins me in unreservedly condemning these attacks. Not only do they harm the livelihood and welfare of the individuals involved, but they also significantly hamper the efforts of the Northern Ireland Executive, the Forum and others, as we seek to build Northern Ireland as a prime place in which to live and do business.”
Outlining the sub-groups she has put in place to look at the issues surrounding exports and manufacturing, the Minister said: "Following the last EDF meeting in February, I established an Exports Sub-group to prioritise the challenges associated with export activity and to identify actions that could be taken.
“Also, given the recent job losses in the manufacturing sector, I established a Manufacturing Sub-group to recommend actions that could assist in the short term. I also asked for proposals that could help the sector to take advantage of the economic upturn, when it occurs.”
Both sub-groups presented targeted and practical proposals to EDF. The Exports Sub-group put forward a number of proposals to address barriers to export, while the Manufacturing Sub-group recommended ways to assist local manufacturers in dealing with the ongoing economic and financial challenges. These focused on relieving the cost pressures, ensuring focused training and skills development and identifying catalysts for growth.
Welcoming these proposals, the Minister said: “I recognise the importance of both exports and manufacturing in growing the Northern Ireland economy and I am grateful to both sub-groups, in particular to the Chairs, Bill McGinnis and Mark Nodder, for their proposals.
“I will now consider the recommendations as a matter of urgency, in conjunction with my departmental officials and the sub-group chairs. I will also discuss them with my Executive colleagues.”
Green issues such as climate change and building a low carbon economy were also discussed by the Forum, which included members of the Green New Deal Group. This group is made up of representatives from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA), Ulster Farmers Union and Friends of the Earth. These organisations take a joined up approach in their bid to tackle the recession, rising energy costs and climate change.
Members also received an update on the Draft Strategic Energy Framework, which is due to be discussed at the Executive next week, and were reminded that the consultation process will begin shortly.
1. The 39th meeting of the Economic Development Forum (EDF) took place on Thursday 18 June 2009 at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast.
2. The EDF is made up of representatives from business, the voluntary and community sector, higher and further education, trade unions and government.
3. Dates of EDF 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.
4. Media enquires to DETI Press Office on 028 9052 9297 or email: pressoffice@detini.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.