Trade NI holds high-level talks in Dublin to promote north-south relations

An alliance of Northern Ireland trade organisations said they have deepened north-south co-operation following high-level engagements in Dublin.

Officials from Trade NI, an alliance of Retail NI, Manufacturing NI and Hospitality Ulster, met Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris, as well as representatives of the Irish Government’s Shared Island Fund and the Oireachtas Joint Committee for the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

They said it builds on previous work with now Taoiseach Micheal Martin to deepen dialogue on north-south issues that affect business and communities across the island.

It follows recent activities in London earlier this year and formed part of its wider programme to promote Northern Ireland’s economic proposition internationally and on the island of Ireland.

In a joint statement, Stephen Kelly of Manufacturing NI, Glyn Roberts of Retail NI, and Colin Neill of Hospitality Ulster, described an “invaluable opportunity to continue championing collaboration across the island”.

“Our engagements with newly elected TDs and long-standing representatives alike ensure that we are reinforcing our message – that closer cooperation delivers prosperity for everyone,” he said.

“We welcome the continued support of the Irish Government in helping to drive shared economic growth, connectivity and opportunity.”

Mr Harris said strong north-south engagement is critical for future prosperity and growth.

“That so many of you take time out from your busy schedules to travel down each year for this event is indicative both of the inter-connectedness of businesses on the island and of the appetite within the business community, north and south, for forging new cross-border partnerships,” he said.

“We live side-by-side on what is a relatively small island and strong north-south engagement is critical to our future prosperity and growth. The Irish Government, for its part, is investing in our shared future through the Shared Island initiative.

“However, if we are to have a truly shared island, the kind of all-island engagement you have been having here in Dublin today is another vital component.”