OFM, DFM, Declan Kelly (DK) (Envoy) Sec. of State (SoS), Michael Martin (MM)(Foreign Affairs) join President Bill Clinton (BC) to discuss Northern Ireland at Global Iniative in New York. Reg Empey was in the audience and answered questions.
FM has said that NI has strong political stability and inspite of difficulties NI is a good place to invest. When it comes to terrorist attacks the community stands together. Unemployment can lead to increase terrorism. It is up to politicians to make people feel the benefits of devolution.
BC to DFM: why invest in NI? why or how is the economy central to your strategy?
DFM: Thanked President Clinton for his focus on NI when he was in White House. Talks of role Clinton played including the meeting with Gerry Adams.
Talked of relationship with Paisley and said
DFM: As good a relationship with Peter Robinson as Ian Paisley. Its not easy being in government with DUP and Peter would say same of SF but no where else to go. The War is over people want peace.
We have a talented and very skilled workforce, two great universities, please come and see it for yourself we will give a good package along with InvestNI
BC to DK: What can we do? What is the strategy?
DK: There are 600 inside room and 300 outside waiting to get in so that shows the interest.
Forget its NI its an island of 1.7m with low cost base, best educated workforce in UK, lowest unemployment in EU. £785m invested by 43 companies when in recession
Strategy - Short - get people over to see it and work with InvestNI
Strategy - Long - focus on industries such as Financial services, Connected Health, Technology, Business services - There will be a promotional programme to reflect success in NI. Need to be patient and realistic.
SoS - There are great opportunities for private sector in NI. Our determination is to underpin stability for policing and justice by providing a good budget.
BC - Value of link with RoI
MM - Celebrated InterTradeIreland and its contribution to development of technology and other business areas.
BC - Reg Empey - if a company wants to go and invest $500m what can you do? What is the cost of training?
Reg Empey - Specify the labour force requirements and all training will be provided free of charge. I have appointed an officer at the NI Bureau in Washington DC to take forward educational links between US and NI.
FM - NI has a well educated workforce with a great work ethic, some of the best infrastructure in Europe and cheaper and faster broadband with Project Kelvin. Cheaper ICT costs, accountany costs and premises costs than London or Dublin. Also cultural and language compatability. Protection of Intellectual property and a regulatory environment in which companies will feel comfortable.
BC - Concluding Remarks: If any company wants to invest in Northern Ireland and needs contacts or help the Clinton Global Initiative will help.
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