FSB declare Bush NI visit a ‘good opportunity’

The Federation of Small Businesses has called on local political parties to use their meetings with President Bush to encourage better trade links between the United States and Northern Ireland.

Wilfred Mitchell, FSB Policy Chairman said: “While we appreciate other important matters are on the agenda of these talks, we would encourage our local parties to use this opportunity to impress upon President Bush the need for greater trade and business links between the US and Northern Ireland.

“There is no doubt that huge opportunities exist for greater economic partnerships, given the fact that we can promote Northern Ireland as the gateway to the European Union.

“Northern Ireland also needs to attract greater tourism from the United States and we hope that new relationships can be built that will to develop this further.”

Mr Mitchell said that with Northern Ireland centre stage for the for the next few days and the focus of the world’s attention, he urged that the opportunity be used to promote the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer.

(SP)