Jonathan Bell MLA has been appointed as the new Minister of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI), with effect from today.
Following his appointment, Jonathan Bell said: “I am very honoured to be appointed as the Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and I look forward to building on the excellent work of my predecessor, Arlene Foster, in what is an extremely busy and diverse portfolio.
“This is a time of great potential for Northern Ireland and it is important that this potential continues to be given every opportunity to be fulfilled to the maximum. Great progress has already been made in terms of job creation and attracting foreign direct investment, and I expect Invest Northern Ireland’s end year figures will be further proof of that when they are published next week.
“Northern Ireland’s tourism product has never been in a stronger position. We have become known on the world stage as the home of major events and, with the unmissable Irish Open due to take place in two weeks’ time, we will once again be in the international media spotlight for all the right reasons. There is a renewed confidence from the industry too, as was demonstrated just this morning with news that the Hastings Group has bought Windsor House with the intention of establishing a new city centre hotel.”
Speaking about the wide range of issues facing the Department, Jonathan Bell added: “DETI plays a crucial role in formulating and delivering economic development policy in terms of Enterprise, Social Economy, Innovation, Energy and Telecoms. In addition, the Department has responsibility for ensuring a modern regulatory framework to support business and protect consumers.
“I look forward to working with all of the Department’s partners and stakeholders as we continue to grow a dynamic and innovative economy which will benefit all of the people of Northern Ireland,” added Minister Bell.
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