Cross Border Conference sees co-operation as key to growth

Over 300 delegates attended the Newry and Dundalk Chamber of Commerce Cross Border Trade and Economic Conference at the Carrickdale Hotel, Carrickarnon yesterday, 6 March. Speakers included Economy Minister, Conor Murphy MLA  and Neale Richmond TD, Minister for Business, Employment and Retail.

Speaking at the event which focused on ‘Building a Sustainable All-Island Economy, Economy Minister Conor Murphy said "Building and sustaining cross-border co-operation and trade is key to the growth of our businesses"

The Minister added “The Windsor Framework protects the all-Ireland economy and cross-border trade is surging. Now that there is a degree of political certainty on our trading arrangements it is time to fully grasp the opportunities.

“The themes of this conference – Skills, Support for Businesses, Net Zero, and Productivity – cover many of the ways in which the potential of the all-Ireland economy can be better realised. They also cover some of the key challenges."

Speaking of the productivity gap between north and south Minister Murphy said "

There is a significant productivity gap between the north and the south. Some of the issues already discussed – a more seamless labour market, better support for start-ups, and the development of all-Ireland clusters – will help address this gap.

"I have also directed Invest NI to focus its efforts on increasing productivity. In this border area it will be important to accelerate the development of the Belfast-Dublin corridor so that the area operates as a seamless highly productive economic unit."

The Minister concluded: “I want to commend the organisers of this event for creating such an important and relevant set of themes. Because there is no doubt, particularly in border areas, that organising and collaborating on an all-Ireland basis is the basis of prosperity.”