01/12/2008

Ministers In 'Money From America' Trip

Securing further inward investment and promoting the local economy are top of a Christmas shopping list for Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness.

The top politicians have just arrived in Washington DC to begin a four day visit to the United States.

During the course of their visit, the Ministers will participate in a series of meetings aimed at promoting the local economy and securing further inward investment.

On Monday evening the Ministers will attend the Fortune 500 dinner in Washington DC, where they will address the chief executive officers of some of the most successful companies in the United States.

Later in the week they will also meet with the Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg and the New York City Comptroller, William C Thompson Jnr.

Commenting, Mr Robinson said: "This is a very important week for Northern Ireland. Over the next few days the Deputy First Minister and I will be meeting with the higher echelons of corporate America.

"We will be delivering the message that despite the global economic downturn that Northern Ireland remains very much open for business," he said.

"The Northern Ireland Executive is determined now more than ever, to deliver upon its goal of developing a vibrant dynamic economy.

"This trip forms part of our overall objective of ensuring that the damage caused to Northern Ireland by the current economic crisis is kept to a minimum."

The DUP Leader's Sinn Fein Executive colleague, Martin McGuinness was keen to emphasise the existing good relationships with the USA.

He said: "Last May at the Investment Conference we delivered a very powerful message to corporate America, showcasing the wealth of opportunity that exists here for US business.

"This visit to the United States allows us to build on the many relationships and friendships that were established during that conference and establish new opportunities with the leading 500 American companies," he said

"The economy remains at the centre of the Executive's programme and one of the main reasons we are here this week is to remind American companies that we can provide an excellent opportunity for those who want to access the EU market."

(BMcC/KMcA)

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