Business leaders this evening warned that Northern Ireland's economic future could be wrecked by the ongoing campaign of sectarian hatred.
As they backed a mass rally against the paramilitaries, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) insisted the North’s prosperity was under serious threat.
Nigel Smyth, the Northern Ireland Business Committee director, said: "We are competing in a global environment where investment and tourists are highly mobile.
"The entire community must realise that these unacceptable activities are putting Belfast's and Northern Ireland's future prosperity at risk."
Thousands of people are set to take to the city centre streets on Friday to voice their opposition to the gunmen.
The wave of revulsion was sparked by the assassination of Catholic teenager Gerard Lawlor by the UFF in north Belfast last week.
The city's image took another battering when loyalist mobs attacked police during two nights of rioting in front of international backpackers sheltering in a nearby hostel.
After meeting today, CBI members said they were appalled by the scenes of terror on the streets.
Mr Smyth added: "We support the anti-sectarian motion put forward by Belfast City Council and are encouraging our members to facilitate support for the lunchtime rally on Friday."
PA