07/01/2014
Call For Stronger Focus On Trade And Investment Opportunities
In response to answers received from Finance Minister, Simon Hamilton, on levels of export figures, Sinn Féin MLA Maeve McLaughlin has called for a stronger focus on strengthening of Trade and Investment opportunities across the island.
Maeve McLaughlin said: "According to figures from the Department of Finance and Personnel, manufacturing exports from the North of Ireland account for approximately one-fifth of our total gross value added (GVA) product. Southern Ireland is a major export market, accounting for more than a third (37%) of our over-all exports in 2011.
"These figures show a significant reliance by our manufacturing sector on island wide trade. I would urge the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment to recognise the importance of this market by giving it a stronger focus.
"Ministers, North and South need to work collaboratively to remove all barriers to island-wide trade and build on the existing level of success. It is time to prioritise the development of all-island infrastructure to enhance trade and sustain the viability of our manufacturing sector.
"We should be working towards harmonising fiscal, currency and tax regimes for the benefit of the economic future of the whole island and its people. Excise and corporation tax differentials in particular inhibit potential economic growth."
(CD)
Maeve McLaughlin said: "According to figures from the Department of Finance and Personnel, manufacturing exports from the North of Ireland account for approximately one-fifth of our total gross value added (GVA) product. Southern Ireland is a major export market, accounting for more than a third (37%) of our over-all exports in 2011.
"These figures show a significant reliance by our manufacturing sector on island wide trade. I would urge the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment to recognise the importance of this market by giving it a stronger focus.
"Ministers, North and South need to work collaboratively to remove all barriers to island-wide trade and build on the existing level of success. It is time to prioritise the development of all-island infrastructure to enhance trade and sustain the viability of our manufacturing sector.
"We should be working towards harmonising fiscal, currency and tax regimes for the benefit of the economic future of the whole island and its people. Excise and corporation tax differentials in particular inhibit potential economic growth."
(CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry and cloudy this morning, some patchy rain in the northwest. This afternoon will be cloudy with some light and patchy rain spreading southeast for a time. Maximum temperature 17 °C.Tonight:Clear periods across the north at first this evening. Otherwise a cloudy evening and night with outbreaks of rain spreading from the southwest. Light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.