In one of his last official roles before stepping down, NI First Minister Ian Paisley - and the Deputy First Minsiter, Martin McGuinness - have each heralded the May US-NI investment conference as a potential catalyst for economic transformation here.

Seeking job creation on an uprecidented scale, they have welcomed the delegation from the US which arrived in Belfast.

Dr Paisley said: "This conference is a vitally important one for us all. In these difficult economic times it is a matter of great encouragement that we have exceeded our expectations in terms of numbers of leading business and political figures that have come to join us.

"We are also delighted to welcome the Prime Ministers of Britain and the Republic of Ireland and also the endorsement of US President Bush and EU Commission President Barroso for the conference."

He said that this was an opportunity to 'sell Northern Ireland' in an unprecedented format.

"I am confident," he continued, "that when we place our many attributes on the table we can make a case that these potential investors will find difficult to resist.

"It is indeed fitting that this conference should coincide with the first anniversary of the restoration of devolution here and I believe that the political progress over the last year can be an example as we seek to achieve an economic transformation which will benefit all our people."

Also seeking the creation of in jobs through the international investments, Mr McGuinness said: "As joint leader of the Executive it gives me great pleasure to see this hugely important conference begin and I join with the First Minister in welcoming the delegates. Over the last twelve months we have found that from the White House to Wall Street every door has been opened to us.

"This conference comes as the result of much hard work and planning and the level and quality of the delegations that are joining us speaks volumes for the interest and goodwill that exists within the US and of the engagement that we have been involved in over the last year.

"That engagement has already reaped rewards with the likes of the recent announcement of a $150million investment by the New York Comptroller Office and I am particularly pleased to welcome Mr William Thompson the New York Comptroller here along with the likes of Duncan Niederaurer CEO of the New York Stock Exchange and the Mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg."

Looking for even more employment creation to follow, he concluded: "Our hope is that we can build on the good start that has been made and I believe that this conference will prove a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of our society."

(BMcC)