The President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce has called for a redoubling of efforts to ensure the North West is prioritised for investment following the publication of a new action plan by Invest NI.
Speaking at the 65th Londonderry Chamber President’s Annual Dinner held at the White Horse Hotel in Derry, Selina Horshi said that the North West city region has the potential to become a world class leader in areas like RegTech, life sciences and advanced manufacturing, but it must be given the tools it needs to do the job.
The Chamber President welcomed the commitment by Invest NI to increase resources for sub-regional offices like Derry and bring forward an economic plan with clear targets to address the current imbalance.
Derry Chamber
Speaking at the dinner, Chamber President Selina Horshi said: “Our aim is to bring investment to this region that supports our people, our businesses and our economy. We warrant special consideration in the North West City Region – partly to redress the historical under investment and high deprivation levels here, but also to recognise the potential we have with the unique strengths of our border proximity, familiarity with multi-jurisdictional operating, the potential of our port, airport, growing university campus, emerging RegTech and life science clusters and our critical mass of population.
“We have worked hard to strengthen our relationship with Invest Northern Ireland, calling for clear targets for this area in terms of resourcing, job creation, job quality, and increased productivity and are pleased to see this feedback being taken on board in the Invest NI action plan published this week.
“We will fight for the opportunities to come here and will work in collaboration with Invest NI and other strategic city partners to ensure we make the strongest possible case for investment in the North West.”
Sponsored by JMK Solicitors and CRASH Services, the dinner was attended by around 300 business representatives, politicians, dignitaries, and civic leaders, and included special guest, the newly appointed US Consul-General James Applegate.
Managing Director of JMK Solicitors, Maurece Hutchinson added: “Chamber has been a fantastic support to us since we established our North West office in the city a few years ago. Its work is vital in the advice and guidance it gives to members like us, and the way in which it champions the North West as a place to invest and do business. We are thrilled to sponsor this year’s event and toast the success of the many businesses who are growing our economy and bringing prosperity to this region.”
