Junior Ministers use London events to reaffirm Executive’s commitment to economic growth and prosperity
Date published:
Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Joanne Bunting have reaffirmed the Executive’s commitment to growing the economy and improving the lives of all our people.
They were speaking at an investor showcase, hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, at the Houses of Parliament in London.
The ‘Antrim Newtownabbey: AN Investment that delivers’ event set out the council’s investment proposition in key growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing, logistics and supply chain management, aerospace, and health and life sciences.
Addressing more than 120 business leaders, political representatives and potential investors at the event, the Junior Ministers praised the council’s ambition and determination to attract inward investment, grow the economy and create jobs.
Junior Minister Bunting said:
“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 said:
“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.”
During their visit to London, the Junior Ministers also attended a research showcase, hosted by Queen's University Belfast.
The event, held in the Terrace Pavilion at the Houses of Parliament, showcased the university’s world-leading research and innovation to politicians and policymakers.
Junior Minister Reilly said:
“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.”