Barroso: 'The North will enjoy European prosperity' 08/05/2008 - 10:35:51
The North will play a part in a new prosperous Europe, president of the European Union Jose Manuel Barroso said today.
In a video message to potential American investors attending a business conference in Belfast, Mr Barroso said he had no doubt the North would benefit from the new political momentum created by devolution and from its educated workforce.
He told delegates: “When I flew into Northern Ireland on May 1 last year, one thing was clear.
“All eyes were on the future. A page had been turned.
“No longer was Belfast dwelling on its recent and painful past. The talk was about change, of economic development, sparking modernisation across all sectors of society and the economy in Northern Ireland.
“So I am delighted to speak to you today on the occasion of this important economic conference.”
The EU president said if people were considering investment, the European Union was a good place to begin.
Under the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs, economic modernisation was the European Union’s number one priority.
The EU’s focus was on stimulating innovation, research and realising the potential of small and medium-sized enterprises, developing the right skills for future jobs and creating the best environment for new businesses to thrive.
Europe, he said, was also facing up to the challenge posed by climate change and the North had a good opportunity to open up access to unrivalled markets in the European Union for investors.
“Our task force has brought together a major report which the European Commission adopted last month, detailing the different options (for Northern Ireland),” he said.
“So I am convinced Northern Ireland now has a great chance to build on its new political momentum, its well-educated workforce and its international ties.
“I am sure that foreign investors already established in Northern Ireland will soon be joined by more and then Northern Ireland will take its place on the map as a region embedded in a broader network in a new Europe which is the foundation stone for our future prosperity.”
HOME PAGE
ARCHIVES
The North will play a part in a new prosperous Europe, president of the European Union Jose Manuel Barroso said today.
|