Business leaders draw up all-island business plan

Business leaders on both sides of the border put improving infrastructure, skills and innovation at the heart of a four-year action plan today.

The IBEC-CBI Joint Business Council (JBC) said the plan would drive all-island collaboration in the three key area for business.

Its Programme to 2013, launched in Armagh, has attracted €1.7m in European funding.

Lobbying on infrastructure priorities, it will seek to improve road, rail, freight and port accessibility within and to the island and progress the agenda for a sustainable energy supply through initiatives such as the all-island Single Electricity Market.

The council said it would also facilitate a co-ordinated all-island voice for business on skills, training , employment and labour mobility and champion joint business priorities in research & development, entrepreneurship and innovation across the island.

Launching the programme, Stormont Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy said his department was fully committed to playing its full part in developing the regions' economy through continued investment in public transport and roads infrastructure as well as water and sewage systems.

Mr Murphy said: "I recognise the important work of the IBEC-CBI Joint Business Council as the voice for business on an all-Ireland basis.

"I applaud their continued efforts to maximise the economic benefits for the island of Ireland and welcome this programme launched here in Armagh."

Reg McCabe, chief executive of the JBC, said they would continue to influence the governments north and south on their priorities.

He said: "We recognise in the context of the current adverse economic climate that more than ever, leadership and a coherent vision and commonality of purpose are required from the JBC and other business organisation."

The JBC used the event to highlight to government the obstacles preventing the optimal functioning of an integrated single island economy.

Mr McCabe said: "Changing the mindset and approach will take a determined effort on the part of the two governments working in partnership with business organisations.

"JBC has already stepped up to the plate, as have our two sponsoring organisations, the CBI and IBEC."