2 December 2008 Robinson and McGuinness begin US Investment Mission

First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter D. Robinson MP, MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA have arrived in Washington DC to begin a four day visit to the United States.

During the course of their visit, the Ministers will participate in a series of meetings aimed at promoting the local economy and securing further inward investment. On Monday evening the Ministers will attend the Fortune 500 dinner in Washington DC, where they will address the Chief Executive Officers of some of the most successful companies in the United States. Later in the week they will also meet with the Mayor of New York, Michael Bloomberg and the New York City Comptroller William C Thompson Jnr.

Mr Robinson said: “This is a very important week for Northern Ireland, over the next few days the deputy First Minister and I will be meeting with the higher echelons of corporate America. We will be delivering the message that despite the global economic downturn that Northern Ireland remains very much open for business.”

“The Northern Ireland Executive is determined now more than ever, to deliver upon its goal of developing a vibrant dynamic economy. This trip forms part of our overall objective of ensuring that the damage caused to Northern Ireland by the current economic crisis is kept to a minimum.”

Mr McGuinness said: "Last May at the Investment Conference we delivered a very powerful message to corporate America, showcasing the wealth of opportunity that exists here for US business. This visit to the United States allows us to build on the many relationships and friendships that were established during that conference and establish new opportunities with the leading 500 American companies.”

“The economy remains at the centre of the Executive's programme and one of the main reasons we are here this week is to remind American companies that we can provide an excellent opportunity for those who want to access the EU market.”