16/03/2010

USA Investment Focus For FM

The Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have begun their pre-Saint Patrick's Day US visit with a round of meetings with potential investors in Chicago.

The Ministers also met with Tom Wilson, the Chairman of existing investor Allstate and the Mayor of Chicago, Richard Daley.

The DUP's Peter Robinson said: "Chicago based companies, including Caterpillar and Allstate, already have a history of investment in Northern Ireland.

"It is clear from our meetings today that there is considerable potential to build upon that foundation. Over the coming months, Invest Northern Ireland will be working closely with the contacts we have made here."

The Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: "We have met with some potential investors in Chicago, but we have also used our time here to re-establish our relationship with existing investors such as Allstate Chairman, Tom Wilson.

"Allstate has become a valued and important employer in Belfast, Derry and Strabane and it is important that we continue to develop and expand that relationship."

Following a meeting with Mayor Daley, Mr Robinson said: "Mayor Daley is the longest serving Mayor in the history of Chicago and has presided over some of Chicago’s most considerable achievements.

"Our meeting covered a range of issues that could, in the future, prove to be very beneficial to Northern Ireland."

Mr McGuinness added: "Our meeting with a hugely influential political figure such as Mayor Daley is indicative of the high level of engagement that we are undertaking during our visit to the US. Our visit is a demonstration of our unity of purpose to promote investment, create investment and strengthen the peace process.

"This is our first opportunity to brief investors and political leaders here in relation to the Hillsborough Agreement, which will strengthen our institutions and we believe, greatly increase the potential for future investment."

The Ministers also hosted a business reception attended by over 200 of Chicago's top businessmen and women.

(BMcC/GK)


Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

14 November 2024
Minister Murphy Raises Economic Concerns in London
Economy Minister Conor Murphy today raised a number of key economic issues with British Government Ministers during a visit to London.
09 December 2013
Community Projects Receive £1.1m
A total of 16 community groups across Belfast have received total funding of just over £1.1m from City Council. The funding boost is being delivered through the £5m Local Investment Fund (LIF), which is part of the council's wider Investment Programme for the city. The move brings the overall amount allocated through the fund to over £2.
16 May 2013
£1.25m For Belfast Community Projects
20 community regeneration projects across Belfast have received funding totalling £1.25m from the City Council. The funding is part of £5m set aside for the Local Investment Fund (LIF). Just under £1.3m is earmarked each to the North, South, East and West of the city and a further £490,000 allocated for the Shankill area.
19 November 2024
Seating Matters To Create 62 New Jobs In £3.7m Investment
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a significant investment by Seating Matters, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic seating solutions. The company will invest £3.7 million in its facilities in Limavady and Derry, creating 62 new jobs over the next two years.
16 May 2017
Queen's To Disinvest From Fossil Fuels
Queen's University in Belfast has confirmed it is to disinvest from fossil fuels. The University has updated its investment policy and will, subject to no detrimental impact on expected investment returns, seek to disinvest from companies involved in the extraction and production of fossil fuels by 2025.