Business chief tells City conference regional initiative vital

BUSINESS chief Hugh Crossey says it is vital to encourage regional initiatives to help drive economic recovery on both sides of the border in the North West.

Speaking on the occasion of its bi-annual meeting in the Guildhall the Chairman of the Joint Business Council - an amalgam of the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation (IBEC) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) - said the peripheries are as important as the centres.

“The very size of the metropolitan areas around Belfast and Dublin means they have a pivotal role in driving economic recovery on both sides of the border,” he commented.

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“However, we must recognise the distinctive advantages of the island’s regional economies and encourage greater exploitation of their unique strengths and untapped opportunities.

“The selection of the North West for the location of our conference reinforces the importance of the region to the economy of this island.

“The ambitious and distinctive strategies developed by Ilex, Derry City Council and the communities in the North West show how the regions can develop economic and social programmes that contribute to national recovery,” he added.

Dr Aideen McGinley Chief Executive of Ilex, said: “We are delighted that the Joint Business Council has chosen to host their plenary in Derry during our bid for the 2013 UK City of Culture.

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“This event brings a wealth of business experience to the city and provides us with an opportunity to highlight the city and region as an ideal location for business and investment."

Valerie Watts, Town Clerk and Chief Executive of Derry City Council, said: “We are proud to support this event and welcome these business leaders from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland to our City. Council has strong aspirations that this event will result in successful networking and business development opportunities.”

The event was attended by more than 100 leading representatives from industry, government and academia from across the island of Ireland.

Formed in 1991, the Joint Business Council (JBC) provides a single co-ordinated voice for business across the island of Ireland and promotes the international competitiveness of the island, for the benefit of both jurisdictions. The JBC is funded under European Union INTERREG IVA.

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