A new not-for-profit online organisation was launched today to grow and develop networks between people with a connection to Northern Ireland by birth, family, education or business.

Northern Irish Connections (www.niconnections.com) will target people living away, a key audience for organisations focussed on developing and growing the Northern Ireland economy, be that through business, tourism, education or trade.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "A wide range of organisations in Northern Ireland consider the diaspora community a key audience, resource or market and are already working to engage with this group as a means of raising awareness and promoting Northern Ireland around the world. By creating this new, not-for-profit organisation to take the strategic lead and determine the best method for interacting with the diaspora community we can ensure all interactions with this target group are strategic, co-ordinated, timely and effective. One of its key responsibilities will be to develop and maintain a global network of advocates who will be in a position to communicate key strategic messages in their country and sector, facilitating developments in Foreign Direct Investment, trade, education, investment and tourism in Northern Ireland."

Mrs Foster said the scheme would support the delivery of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Economy Strategy and Programme for Government.

Northern Irish Connections will be funded by a member subscription system, open to public and private organisations, with governance be delivered by an unpaid non-executive Supervisory Board.

(NE/GK)