Junior Ministers Aisling Reilly and Joanne Bunting are in Brussels this week for a programme of meetings and events for St Patrick’s Day aimed at reaffirming our commitment to strengthening relationships and promoting here as a great place to live, work, visit, study and invest.
Also in Brussels is Agriculture & Environment Minister Andrew Muir.
The Junior Ministers’ visit began with the annual ‘Ulster Fry for St Patrick’s Day’ networking breakfast organised by the Northern Ireland Executive in Brussels (ONIEB). The event, which is held in collaboration with Invest NI, brings together representatives from the European Institutions, EU Member States and non-EU representatives as well as Ambassadors, diaspora and business representatives to celebrate Northern Ireland’s food and drink and highlight our quality produce.
The Ministers will also visit the site where Coleraine based company TriEX is building a major new data centre to hear about how the company’s expertise is powering critical digital infrastructure across Europe
Speaking from the breakfast event, Junior Minister Reilly said: “It’s fantastic to be in Brussels during St Patrick’s Day to strengthen relationships and give the North a voice in this important market. From our strong agri-food and tourism industries to the innovation and talent driving sectors like advanced manufacturing, technology and the creative industries, our expertise is recognised on a global stage.
“This morning’s breakfast was a great way to introduce partners to the quality of our local produce while opening the door to wider conversations about the sectors driving growth and opportunity back home. During this visit we’ll meet EU Ambassadors to strengthen partnerships and showcase the North. I’m also looking forward to seeing the success of Coleraine-based company TriEX who have sustainability and renewable energy generation at the core of their operations. As we move into the future the focus on our environment and sustainability goals are critical.”
Junior Minister Bunting said: “I am pleased to be here in Brussels for the first time as Junior Minister and to attend the Ulster Fry event on St Patrick’s day promoting Northern Ireland and its produce. Today also provides an opportunity to strengthen our international profile, deepening our economic relationships, and creating opportunities for trade, investment and education.
“Northern Ireland has much to offer. As a small country on the edge of Europe, we are uniquely placed, with a skilled and dedicated workforce and a clear focus on building a sustainable, competitive and growing economy.
“We want to see our local business expand and succeed in the international market and that is why I am delighted we will also have the opportunity to visit Northern Irish company TriEX who are operating here in Belgium. It is a great example of a local success story, strengthening its international presence through expertise and collaboration with Invest NI.”
Junior Ministers are scheduled to meet with a number of key diplomatic figures, including Ambassador Aingeal O’Donoghue, Irish Permanent Representative to the EU, Caroline Read, Deputy UK Ambassador to the EU and Sandro Gozi, Chair of EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly.