We can still do well through trade with EU and US: Alastair Hamilton

Invest NI boss Alastair Hamilton is sanguine in the face of Brexit saying Northern Ireland can flourish from its position in the centre of the North Atlantic, especially through trade with the United States.

“All of the factors which have made Northern Ireland a good place to start and grow a business, including our attractiveness as a location for investment, a base for research and development and as a trading partner, remain and will continue to provide the foundations upon which to grow our economy in the future,” said the Chief Executive.

“As part of the fifth largest economy in the world, we are confident that Northern Ireland will continue to succeed as an attractive location for inward investment, in particular from our largest target market, the USA; and that the reduction in Corporation Tax will play an invaluable role in creating a business-friendly environment to support job creation, based on the combination of tax, talent and value.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“As the EU sells more to the UK than we do to them, we are positive that mutually beneficial trading arrangements will ensure continued access to the EU market, whilst also having the freedom to develop new bilateral agreements in emerging markets and other geographies.

“Ultimately, Invest NI will continue to offer and deliver the fullest range of support to both local and internationally owned businesses to drive economic growth. We will also fully explore all potential new opportunities that may emerge following the referendum result.

“This is the message that I will take to the USA next week as I meet with potential new investors,” said Mr Hamilton.