NI Chamber President Sets Out Business Priorities In New Year Address

In a New Year statement NI Chamber President Gillian McAuley looked optimistically into the future and set out her business priorities which she believes will help the country thrive in 2023. She particularly focused on how Northern Ireland can achieve its 2030 climate change commitments and in doing so fire up the economy through green policies and growth.

Driving Green Growth In 2023

Below is some of Gillian’s New Year message, as copied from an article by Claire Cartmill in the Belfast Newsletter where she says:

“With just seven years left to meet our ambitious 2030 climate change targets, 2023 must be a year of action to drive green growth. Against the backdrop of a challenging fiscal environment, now more than ever we need the private sector to step in and play its part in delivering the low carbon transition and in doing so, creating a new look inclusive, digital and sustainable economy. At NI Chamber, we will be seizing the opportunity by focusing our attention on a series of green policy reforms as part of a ‘23 for 30’ campaign.

“From world-leading renewable generation to sustainable transport technology, Northern Ireland has significant potential, having achieved so much already in driving green innovation at home and around the globe. However, if we are to attract the investment and funding needed to reach our true potential, we must be competitive, both as a UK region and on the island of Ireland.

“2023 presents a unique opportunity for us to show our value on the world stage as we mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. There is no question that the signing of the Agreement catalysed immense economic change. It is truly amazing to reflect how far we have come in the 25 years since. The ‘peace dividend’ has seen landscapes transformed, new business sectors thriving and made the arrival of tens of thousands of good jobs possible.

Northern Ireland Now An Attractive Place To Do Business

“Northern Ireland is now an attractive place to do business and a must-visit tourist destination. Many export companies are thriving. Major international companies are putting down roots here and creating jobs because of our world-class products, people and skills. We have a global reputation for innovation and are making our mark in cyber security, energy, transport, health and diagnostics, food security and so much more.

“In 2023, we must seize this moment to make more positive strides and secure the investment we need for our coveted low carbon future. It is not the date that is important but rather the opportunity it presents. So while celebrating the occasion is right, it will be the action we take that really matters.”

She went on in the article to talk about the urgent need for a spell of political stability in Northern Ireland which would both help to get things done and would give businesses confidence moving forward. And she also talked about the need for government and business leaders to tackle the energy crisis together and to find solutions to the steep energy costs.

There is no doubt that the potential is there for Northern Ireland to be a leading country in the fight against climate change and in doing so there would certainly be major benefits for businesses and the economy. Let’s hope these dreams become a reality as we move through 2023.