11/03/2002

Minister welcomes North American Trade Mission

Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, has announced that 25 Northern Ireland companies are taking part in the Trade International trade mission to the USA and Canada from March 11-15.

The Minister said the mission - the first to North America in 2002 - would centre on the key business locations of Boston and Montreal. He added: “I am impressed by the number of companies and the broad base of industries represented on this important mission. It is particularly encouraging to have representation from technology sectors such as software and telecommunications.

“Recent indications that the US economic downturn may have bottomed out suggest that the companies on this mission could find it a well timed visit.”

The Minister said North America was Northern Ireland’s most important export market in 1999/2000, purchasing manufactured goods from IDB client companies worth more than £1 billion. It also continued to be “our most significant source of inward investment.”

He added: “The choice of Boston as a mission destination highlights how we are utilising facilities such as Northern Ireland’s first Technology and Development Centre, which I opened in Boston late last year.

“I hope that many of our leading-edge technology companies will grasp the business opportunities presented by the expertise and facilities now available in one of the most dynamic centres on the US eastern seaboard.

“During a recent visit to Montreal I was also impressed by the interest shown there in Northern Ireland and of the opportunities developing in this key Canadian industrial centre. I am confident that there are substantial business opportunities there and in other regions of Canada for our companies.”

Northern Ireland firms taking part in the Trade International mission include Belfast companies Audio Processing Technology and Irish Linen Company, and Londonderry-based Delta Systems.

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