01 June 2007

WORKING TOGETHER FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds urged stakeholders, at his first Economic Development Forum, (EDF) meeting, to work with Government for economic growth.

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 DETI Minister.

Speaking after the meeting in the Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ Office, Minister Dodds said: “Today’s meeting gave me an early opportunity to meet collectively with representatives of the key stakeholders in the Northern Ireland economy.

“During the meeting we discussed the need to secure positive developments with regard to the Chancellor’s financial package. The economy needs the right combination of fiscal incentives and investment to place it on a higher growth trajectory.”

The Minister also highlighted the importance of all stakeholders working together. He said: “The public sector cannot achieve the vision of a more prosperous economy by itself. It needs the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders.”

Issues discussed at the 31^st EDF meeting included the role of fiscal incentives, the draft Regional Economic Strategy and the ongoing work of the four EDF Sub-groups of Innovation, Enterprise, Skills and Infrastructure.