27/09/2013

Firms To Benefit From New Export Development Programme

More than 100 businesses across five south-west council areas could benefit from a new export development programme, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has said.

Speaking at the launch of a SME Export Development Programme in Dungannon, the Minister encouraged the local councils to use the support available to help address the export needs of first time exporters in their area.

The new programme is part funded by Invest NI, the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland and local councils. It aims to support the local business base across councils, working in partnership in Dungannon & South Tyrone, Cookstown, Magherafelt, Fermanagh and Omagh.

Arlene Foster said: "The SME Export Development Programme launched today will encourage businesses to become more market aware, outward looking, export oriented and committed to ongoing business development. These are the essential components of business and economic success.

"It will provide local businesses with opportunities to access a range of advice and support in the area of export development.

"The result will be companies that will be better able to target prospective customers, win contracts, sell effectively through a structured approach and have the confidence to take their business to new levels, in export markets.

"Rebuilding the Northern Ireland economy will be a long term journey but it is encouraging to see a number of projects already underway that are contributing towards achieving this objective."

(CD/JP)

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