Press Release
27 March 2003

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM STEPS UP ACTION

“Taking specific action to address weaknesses in the Northern Ireland economy to ensure that the region is in a strong position to prosper in the face of increasing global competition, is a key objective of the Economic Development Forum,” Ian Pearson, MP, Northern Ireland Office Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, said today.

The Minister was commenting following the launch in Newry of the Forum’s Action Plan which details some 58 specific actions to be taken by key contributors to improve Northern Ireland’s economic performance over the next eight years.

He said: “To help bring about the desired shift in economic performance, we need to be capable of successfully attracting inward investment in high technology based areas and improving the international competitiveness of indigenous business.  These have been identified as key outcomes in the Action Plan, as has the need to increase links between businesses, universities and further education and to increase the level of company R&D activity.

“The creation of a more supportive culture for enterprise and greater celebration of the achievement of successful Northern Ireland entrepreneurs is another key outcome.”

The Minister said that today’s publication delivers a commitment made last June when the Forum published its strategic framework document, “Working Together for a Stronger Economy”.

He continued: “This Action Plan reinforces the Forum’s commitment to working in partnership to strengthen the local economy.  In developing its Plan, the Forum focused attention on the key areas of greatest importance.  Current and planned activity by all sectors has been reviewed and gaps identified.  The agreed additional actions describe the specific activities to be take by key contributors to help achieve the economic targets set by the Forum for the year 2010.”

Nigel Smyth, representing the views of the Business Alliance, said:

“Many of the actions contained in this Action Plan are directed at business.  The business community has a major responsibility to deliver on productivity growth, innovation, marketing, people development and corporate social responsibility.  The business community needs to work together to share best practice, enhance benchmarking activities and promote business leadership.”

Following the launch of the Action Plan, and a tour by EDF members of the Institute campus which included a visit to Phase I of the refurbishment of the Technology, Computing and Creativity Faculty, and the e-Learning Centre, Ian Pearson welcomed members to the fifteenth meeting of the Forum.

He said: “The continued partnership and commitment of all sectors – public, private, community and voluntary – is crucial if the targets set by the Forum are to be met.  The Action Plan launched today is an important step in a longer-term process.  The Forum will actively monitor progress against the targets and I look forward to the publication of the first annual statement on progress in October.”

Notes for Editors

Further information about the Forum and access to Working Together for a Stronger Economy and the Action Plan can be viewed or downloaded at www.edfni.com.

Additional information on Newry and Kilkeel Institute of Further and Higher Education can be viewed or downloaded at www.nkifhe.ac.uk.

The Business Alliance is an informal grouping of the four key business organisations in Northern Ireland: CBI, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Institute of Directors and Centre for Competitiveness.