The elite of US businesses are being lined up to attend May 2008's US-NI investment conference in Belfast.

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds is currently on a five day trip to the US and Canada to attract CEO's from over 50 top companies.

Among the people the minister will meet this week is Paula Dobriansky, President Bush's special envoy on Northern Ireland.

It is hoped this could lead to direct investment in high value areas which are not susceptible to transfer to low cost economies.

Minister Dodds said: "Northern Ireland has entered a new era and is open for business. International investors can find high-tech expertise, industrial ingenuity, a strong infrastructure and a great lifestyle on offer, making it one of the most attractive inward investment locations in Europe, particularly as a nearshore location from which to service large markets.

-- Advertisement --

"Despite having secured over $6 billion worth of quality Foreign Direct Investment since 1996, we are not complacent. I, and my Executive colleagues, have made the development of the Northern Ireland economy our number one priority in the recent draft Programme for Government. We recognise that we must raise our game if we are to remain relevant and meet the current and future challenges."

Minister Dodd's visit to the US will be followed by a joint visit by the First Minister Ian Paisley and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness in December.

It has been speculated that the Minister's will take the opportunity to invite the President to come to the conference in May.

(GK/JM)