Northern Ireland Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, has met with representatives from the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce to discuss the impact of the economic downturn on the Belfast and wider Northern Ireland economy.

Discussions included the issues of bank lending and the grants available for local companies undertaking regeneration projects.

Speaking after the meeting, the Minister said: "As our capital city, Belfast is Northern Ireland’s hub for economic development and will therefore have a crucial role to play in our economic recovery.

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"We discussed the challenges facing our private sector, how Government can help local business through this difficult time and how private sector investment in the regeneration of our towns and cities needs to be maximised."

The Minister concluded: "This was a very constructive meeting and I welcome the good working relationship between my Department and the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce. It is more important than ever that the public and private sector work together to bring Northern Ireland back to economic prosperity."

(NS/GK)