A VISIT to the province by the leaders of the free world can do nothing but good for the province in terms of global opportunity.
That was the unanimous verdict yesterday from leading businesses and organisations at the confirmation that the G8 summit will take place next year in Fermanagh.
Invest Northern Ireland CEO Alastair Hamilton said it was a “once in a lifetime event” for the venue, the Lough Erne Resort, Fermanagh, and the whole of Northern Ireland.
“To have the leaders of the world’s major economies gathered in Northern Ireland, and the associated global media coverage that it will generate, will provide us with an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland and grasp the attention of potential investors,” he said.
“As the Prime Minister said, it will be a brilliant advertisement for Northern Ireland and is one which we will use to show exactly what Northern Ireland has to offer as a place to invest in, to do business with and to work.
Institute of Directors chairman Mervyn McCall said it was vital to “utilise this exceptional opportunity and juncture in our history to showcase all that the region now has to offer and to tell international investors that Northern Ireland is ready and open for business.
“Have no doubt that the G8 Summit enlarges Northern Ireland’s presence on a world map and can only assist with foreign direct investment.”
Business advisors PwC’s chief economist in Belfast, Dr Esmond Birnie, said the prospect of the G8 summit coming to Lough Erne was a boost to the west in particular.
“The Prime Minister described the resort as in one of the ‘most beautiful places in the entire UK’ and that sort of publicity is a valuable boost to Fermanagh tourism,” he said.
“The G8 leaders come from economies which collectively represent more than half (51%) of global GDP at market exchange rates and that alone offers significant economic opportunities.”
CBI Northern Ireland chairman Ian Coulter said it was a “terrific opportunity for Northern Ireland to take centre stage globally and we recognise the efforts of the UK and Northern Ireland Governments in getting this summit to Northern Ireland”.
“We also welcome the commitment from the Prime Minister to meet with the First Minister and Deputy First Minister today, which we understand included a discussion on devolving corporation tax.
“However, we are disappointed that the Prime Minister did not take this opportunity to engage with the business community to discuss the significant economic challenges facing the Northern Ireland economy, in advance of a decision on corporation tax.”