Two Canadian firms are among those helping to develop knowledge-led technologies in Northern Ireland to ensure continued economic growth, according to Ulster Unionist Assembly member Sir Reg Empey.
Sir Reg was speaking at a dinner for the Apostles of Ireland business organisation from Toronto at the end of its three-day visit to Northern Ireland. He said the achievements of Bombardier Aerospace - owner of Belfast aerospace company Shorts - and telecommunications firm Nortel Networks, which together employ around 8,000, demonstrated the outstanding quality and motivation of Northern Ireland people.
"The operations of both companies here are now recognised internationally as being world class in terms of efficiency, product quality, and training," he said. "The achievements of these, and of other North American companies, demonstrate the very real bottom-line benefits of a location in Northern Ireland."
Sir Reg said the First Minister, Mr David Trimble, had addressed an Apostles meeting during last year's marketing campaign in North America, organised by the Industrial Development Board. The return visit indicated international businesses were looking even more closely at Northern Ireland as an investment location.
"In the past few months three North American companies - CMA, Western Pacific Data Systems and User Technology Associates - have announced projects that will provide more than 300 new jobs for Belfast, and in the process help to sustain economic growth."
The Apostles of Ireland is a group of Irish-born Canadian business and professional people committed to fostering peace and reconciliation in Ireland. They want to promote a positive image of Ireland across Canada. Fourteen members of the group took part in the North-South visit.
