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Belfast investment conference 'a great opportunity' Belfast conference: Political institutions 'rock solid'
(about 2 hours later)
A major international investment conference in Belfast is a "great showcase" for Northern Ireland, Finance Minister Simon Hamilton has said. The Northern Ireland peace process and political institutions are rock solid, the deputy first minister has said.
About 150 potential and existing inward investors are attending the conference. Martin McGuinness was speaking at a reception at Hillsborough Castle in County Down.
Meanwhile, US engineering firm Terex Finlay has announced it is creating 260 jobs in County Tyrone. It marked the opening of a major international investment conference in Northern Ireland.
The investment conference comes as signs emerge that the Northern Ireland economy is recovering. Secretary of State Theresa Villiers told foreign investors that Northern Ireland "enjoys a degree of political stability not seen for half a century".
It is being hosted by the first and deputy first ministers. The conference is being hosted by the first and deputy first ministers and is being attended by 150 potential and existing inward investors.
It is hoped that international investors can add to that momentum in the coming months and years.
It is the first event of its kind in Northern Ireland since the global downturn began in 2008.
The conference has begun with a reception at Hillsborough Castle in County Down.
The main event is on Friday when Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to address the delegates.The main event is on Friday when Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to address the delegates.
Mr Hamilton said he hoped the conference would help to build on previous successes and "take ourselves to another level economically". On Thursday night, Mr McGuinness said: "The Northern Ireland peace process is rock solid, totally secure, as are the institutions."
The investment conference comes as signs emerge that the Northern Ireland economy is recovering.
It opened on the day US engineering firm Terex Finlay announced it is creating 260 jobs in County Tyrone.
It is hoped that international investors can add to the momentum in the coming months and years.
The conference is the first event of its kind in Northern Ireland, since the global downturn began in 2008.
Earlier, Finance Minister Simon Hamilton said he hoped the conference would help to build on previous successes and "take ourselves to another level economically".
"It's a great opportunity for Northern Ireland to showcase what we have to offer to the world," he said."It's a great opportunity for Northern Ireland to showcase what we have to offer to the world," he said.
"In the past we've had similar conferences which have, in the short to medium term, realised significant investment in Northern Ireland."In the past we've had similar conferences which have, in the short to medium term, realised significant investment in Northern Ireland.
'Benefits'
"Some of those brand names have been able to appreciate the great offering we have and have built on their investment to create more jobs.""Some of those brand names have been able to appreciate the great offering we have and have built on their investment to create more jobs."
First Minister Peter Robinson said: "The investment conference is a direct result of the very positive impression made by Northern Ireland at the G8 summit in June. Speaking ahead of the conference, First Minister Peter Robinson said: "The investment conference is a direct result of the very positive impression made by Northern Ireland at the G8 summit in June.
"It is a great chance for us to capitalise on that and ensure that Northern Ireland retains a high profile worldwide.""It is a great chance for us to capitalise on that and ensure that Northern Ireland retains a high profile worldwide."
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness added: "Foreign direct investment can bring many benefits to our community, by creating new jobs and helping to boost economic growth.
"It also generates additional opportunities within the local supply chain and leads to the expansion and growth of many home-grown businesses.
"It is important potential investors get the right impression of a highly competitive, stable, investment location. The senior executives at the conference will find a business-friendly executive ready to support international investment."