An EU Economic Envoy could help local businesses in Northern Ireland to fully leverage the opportunities afforded them by dual access to the EU and UK markets, the chair of the Institute of Directors in Northern Ireland (IoD) has declared. Chair John Hansen said that such an appointment would be able to aid economic development and help secure investment opportunities for them. And he called for the Westminster government to act and make moves to such an appointment onboard.
Mr Hansen was speaking at the IoD annual dinner when he made these remarks and he outlined 3 main areas that he believed the Stormont Executive should focus on. These were that they should commit to long-term stability rather than short term aims, they should prioritise sustainable long-term growth and finally they should collaborate more actively with the business community so that they are fully involved in all the key decision making processes.
Business Leaders Support The Executive In Making Difficult Choices
Here are some words from his address at the annual dinner, as copied from an article on the Belfast Newsletter website. He said:
“Business leaders have and continue to stand ready to support the newly formed Executive in making difficult choices and are well-positioned to help Ministers seize opportunities for this region.
“Looking around this room, I can see talent, expertise and innovation in abundance but also a genuine willingness to lend support to decision makers to ensure stronger outcomes for everyone living and working in this region. Those sitting around the Executive must realise this and establish closer working relationships with the business community.”
Business Leaders Must Take On An Active Role
The chairman also emphasised how business leaders must take on an active role in addressing societal issues and delivering long-term social value through economic growth.
“As senior leaders we have a responsibility to unite people from all walks of life, uplift them and contribute positively to a prosperous, inclusive and peaceful society. We will not stand back and allow the stagnation of living standards and a lack of inclusivity to make way for a rise in racism and social unrest. “Respecting our differences and fostering social cohesion is imperative for the success of our region and the onus is on each of us to make Northern Ireland a welcoming place for those arriving here for work.”
Wise words from the IoD chair John Hansen, it is vital that business leaders are at the heart of the decision making processes so that they can have their input and ensure that they are fully onboard with all the latest developments.
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