Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster has urged more local companies to follow the example of our leading exporters.
The Minister was addressing members of the business community at the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Export First’ event. Sponsored by Danske Bank, the programme brings together new and aspiring exporters and offers them access to local businesses who are experienced in international trade.
Arlene Foster said: “Today’s event presents an ideal opportunity for new and prospective exporters to benefit from the experiences and expertise of our established international traders. Building new markets outside Northern Ireland presents a range of challenges for our businesses and initiatives such as ‘Export First’ are invaluable in helping to share best practice.
“Selling overseas takes time, money, commitment and perseverance and those companies investing time and energy to expand their export horizons, supported by Invest NI, are to be encouraged and commended.
“Whilst our latest manufacturing export figures show a continuing upward trend and reflect some excellent success stories and achievements in exports markets, our export base remains small. If we are to make Northern Ireland a more competitive region and a more prosperous society, we must encourage our firms to go beyond our borders to sell their products to create export-led economic growth.”
The ‘Export First’ programme has provided support to 280 local businesses through the roll out of 17 events in locations across Northern Ireland.
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