EDF 'can make a real difference to economy' says Pearson

The NIO Economy Minister has praised the work of the Economic Development Forum (EDF) saying its work can make "a real difference to the economy of Northern Ireland".

The Minister was speaking at the 14th meeting of the EDF at the offices of the Centre for Competitiveness in Belfast today. The primary role of the Forum is to provide advice to Ministers on matters affecting the development and future competitiveness of the Northern Ireland economy.

Top of the agenda was discussion on how to move forward the process of strengthening the local economy with all sectors, public, private, community and voluntary working in partnership.

This process began on 20 June 2002, with the launch of the Forum’s first publication, 'Working Together For A Stronger Economy'.

The publication sets out priorities for the NI economy if it is to be significantly strengthened during the period to the year 2010. The document provides a framework of priorities, objectives, performance indicators, targets, supporting actions and key contributors.

Mr Pearson said: “It is important that we focus our attention on areas where, collectively, the EDF partnership can make a real difference.”

The Minister said that Northern Ireland’s future prosperity is based on its ability to develop and thrive as a modern, innovative, and knowledge-driven economy.

He said: "It is crucial that the education and training system provides an interdependent workforce of researchers, innovative thinkers, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled technicians and workers. But this can only be achieved if the universities, further education colleges, business community and government are all working together towards clearly agreed aims and objectives."

At today’s meeting, members discussed the developments for contributors to increase the likelihood of achieving the targets set by EDF. Members hope to publish this Action Plan within the next few months.

Mr Pearson emphasised the importance of all sectors being actively involved in developing the Action Plan.

He said: “The genuine partnership approach adopted by the Forum in developing the medium term strategic priorities will be the key to success in producing and implementing the Action Plan. There is no point in setting targets if we don’t then agree what steps each of us must take to help meet them. All sectors, public, private, community and voluntary have important and interconnected roles to play.”

At the meeting, Members also heard an update on the work of the Employability Taskforce, the Regional Transportation Strategy and the Regional Innovation Strategy and discussed progress in relation to a wide range of DETI-related activities.

(GMcG)