NI Economy Minister To Take Advantage Of Dual Market Access Benefits

The unique ability Northern Ireland has to trade freely with both Great Britain and Europe must be taken advantage of says NI economy minister Conor Murphy. He believes that the renegotiated Windsor Framework can help increase productivity right across the country.

Productivity Is A Fundamental Driver Of Overall Living Standards

The minister is quoted in an article on the Belfast Live website, where he is quoted as saying:

“Productivity is a fundamental driver of overall living standards,” he told the Assembly. “We can improve our productivity by using dual market access to grow domestic exports and attract highly productive investment.

“Investment in skills, research and development, and innovation will also drive better productivity.”

Productivity is one of Murphy’s 4 key priorities with which he wants to drive Northern Ireland forward with. The other 3 are creating better jobs, regional balance across all areas of Northern Ireland, and reaching a target of net zero carbon by 2050. They are all laudable goals and if he achieves even two or three of them he will have helped the country and all of us inhabitants no end.

Many Workers And Their Families Are Denied A Decent Standard Of Living

He went on to say in the same article that:

“One objective is to create good jobs,” Mr Murphy said. “Many workers and their families are denied a decent standard of living. We must change this by investing in affordable childcare and by strengthening trade unions, particularly in low-paid industries.

“A second objective is to promote Regional Balance. Everyone, no matter where they live, should have the same opportunity to earn a living. To achieve this I will fund local economic strategies and prioritise projects that promote regional balance, such as the expansion of the Magee campus.”

“My final, critical, objective is to reduce carbon emissions. Reaching Net Zero by 2050 is a legal requirement and a moral obligation to the well-being of future generations. Done right, the transition can also generate prosperity for all.”

Great words from the economy minister, it is hard to argue with anything he says. I think we definitely need a more fair and equitable society where everyone feels valued and everyone has a chance to make something of themselves and contribute to the community they live in. There is still a long way ahead to get the economy and the country back on the right track but let us hope there are better times not too far around the corner.