Northern Ireland embraces IT economy

Northern Ireland's trade and enterprise minister, Sir Reg Empey, has announced his plan for the province to emerge as an enterprise and information-based economy, creating many jobs in IT and networking.

At the opening of the New York/Northern Ireland Trade Investment Fair, Empey said that he was keen to follow the lead of the US which actively encouraged entrepreneurs in new technologies.

At the event Empey revealed his vision of attracting innovative professionals to the area, and working through global partnerships.

Northern Ireland has been trying to overshadow its turbulent background and a significant number of jobs have been created in networking and engineering.

This month, Gem, a global email company founded under a year ago, announced it was creating up to 700 jobs in Londonderry and 195 in Belfast.

The plan is being backed by the Industrial Development Board which is injecting £6.47m into the project to ensure its success. Owen Lamont, chief executive at Gem, believes the investment would see Northern Ireland develop into a centre for ebusiness and cutting edge technologies.

He said it might help to encourage other internet technology companies to consider moving their operations to the province.

Peter Williams, of Networking Recruitment International, said that Northern Ireland was handicapped in attracting workers because of the lower salaries on offer. However, this will change if there is some substantial investment in the area.