Business groups in Northern Ireland have unveiled a comprehensive report aimed at driving economic growth in the region following the resolution of trade issues with continental Europe and Britain. Trade NI, a coalition of business organizations including Hospitality Ulster, Manufacturing Northern Ireland, and Retail Northern Ireland, has released the report outlining strategies for harnessing prosperity in the wake of the Windsor Framework agreement. The vision is for Northern Ireland to become the premier location in the British Isles for establishing and expanding businesses. The report emphasizes the need to attract skilled workers, invest in universities, identify investment opportunities in renewable energy, and address long-standing infrastructure projects.
One of the key objectives of the report is to increase private sector investment in order to reduce the region’s reliance on the public sector, which currently stands at 27% compared to the UK average of 18%. Northern Ireland currently hosts more than 1,200 foreign-owned companies, with over 70% planning to make further investments. The report will be officially launched in Dublin, with Tánaiste Micheál Martin in attendance.
Micheál Martin, the Tánaiste, has expressed his support for the report, highlighting its focus on the growing trade and business relationship between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. He sees the report as a call to action for both sides to work together in securing a more prosperous future for Northern Ireland.