Junior Ministers and are in Brussels this
week for a programme of meetings and events for St Patrick's Day
aimed at reaffirming our commitment to strengthening
relationships and promoting here as a great place to live, work,
visit, study and invest.
The visit began with the annual ‘Ulster Fry for St Patrick's Day'
networking breakfast organised by the Northern Ireland Executive
in Brussels (ONIEB). The event, which is held in collaboration
with Invest NI, brings together representatives from the European
Institutions, EU Member States and non-EU representatives as well
as Ambassadors, diaspora and business representatives to
celebrate Northern Ireland's food and drink and highlight our
quality produce.
The Ministers will also visit the site where Coleraine based
company TriEX is building a major new data centre to hear about
how the company's expertise is powering critical digital
infrastructure across Europe
Speaking from the breakfast event, Junior Minister Reilly said:
“It's fantastic to be in Brussels during St Patrick's Day to
strengthen relationships and give the North a voice in this
important market. From our strong agri-food and tourism
industries to the innovation and talent driving sectors like
advanced manufacturing, technology and the creative industries,
our expertise is recognised on a global stage.
“This morning's breakfast was a great way to introduce partners
to the quality of our local produce while opening the door to
wider conversations about the sectors driving growth and
opportunity back home. During this visit we'll meet EU
Ambassadors to strengthen partnerships and showcase the North.
I'm also looking forward to seeing the success of Coleraine-based
company TriEX who have sustainability and renewable energy
generation at the core of their operations. As we move into the
future the focus on our environment and sustainability goals are
critical.”
Junior Minister Bunting said: “I am pleased to be here in
Brussels for the first time as Junior Minister and to attend the
Ulster Fry event on St Patrick's day promoting Northern Ireland
and its produce. Today also provides an opportunity to strengthen
our international profile, deepening our economic relationships,
and creating opportunities for trade, investment and education.
“Northern Ireland has much to offer. As a small country on
the edge of Europe, we are uniquely placed, with a skilled and
dedicated workforce and a clear focus on building a sustainable,
competitive and growing economy.
“We want to see our local business expand and succeed in
the international market and that is why I am delighted we
will also have the opportunity to visit Northern Irish company
TriEX who are operating here in Belgium. It is a great example of
a local success story, strengthening its international presence
through expertise and collaboration with Invest NI.”
Junior Ministers are scheduled to meet with a number of key
diplomatic figures, including Ambassador Aingeal O'Donoghue,
Irish Permanent Representative to the EU, Caroline Read, Deputy
UK Ambassador to the EU and Sandro Gozi, Chair of EU-UK
Parliamentary Partnership Assembly.
