Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Joanne Bunting have reiterated the Northern Ireland Executive's firm pledge to expand the economy and enhance the well-being of all citizens.

The Ministers were speaking in London at an investor showcase, which was organised and hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council at the Houses of Parliament. The event, titled 'Antrim Newtownabbey: AN Investment that delivers', was used to detail the council's proposition for investment across key growth areas. These areas include advanced manufacturing, logistics and supply chain management, aerospace, and the health and life sciences sectors.

Addressing an audience of over 120 individuals, including political representatives, business leaders, and potential investors, the Junior Ministers commended the council's resolve and ambitious approach to attracting inward investment, stimulating economic growth, and generating new employment opportunities.

Junior Minister Bunting commented: "This showcase provides a fantastic platform to promote the borough's investment opportunities, strategic assets and business environment, and to strengthen relationships and create new pathways for partnerships and growth. "As an Executive, and through our Programme for Government, we want to build an economy that is innovative, inclusive, and outward-looking. "We want the world to know that Northern Ireland can punch above its weight on a global scale, and events like today's showcase are key to realising that vision." Junior Minister Reilly stated: "Attracting inward investment, building strong partnerships, seizing new opportunities, and creating the right conditions for growth are all essential to delivering the Executive's economic vision: a productive, regionally balanced economy that supports good, well-paid jobs. "The Executive is committed to working with local government, academia, industry and wider partners to drive sustainable economic growth, strengthen our public services and build a fairer, more prosperous society for everyone."

While in London, the Junior Ministers also attended a research showcase put on by Queen's University Belfast. This event, held in the Terrace Pavilion at the Houses of Parliament, spotlighted the university's world-leading research and innovation to policymakers and politicians.

Junior Minister Reilly remarked on the university event: "It was great that while we were in London we got the opportunity to show our support for Queen's University's latest research showcase. "The impressive exhibits and live demonstrations showed how Queen's is leading the way in research across areas such as advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, clean energy and life sciences – vital work which supports the Executive's strategy aimed at driving innovation, skills, growth and regional balance."

Junior Minister Bunting added: "This important event highlights how the globally-recognised expertise and research strengths of Queen's University can play a key role in driving economic growth, creating new jobs, and help us meet challenges such as transforming our public services. "It is vital that we continue to harness the potential offered by forming partnerships and working collaboratively across government, academia and industry to achieve those goals and improve people's lives."