Jim Shannon – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Northern Ireland Office

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Jim Shannon on 2016-09-06.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps his Department has taken to encourage the growth of and strength of local business associations and trade partnerships in Northern Ireland.

James Brokenshire

Many aspects of local economic development are the responsibility of Northern Ireland Executive Ministers but promoting the commercial, business, trade and investment interests of Northern Ireland is also part of my Department’s core business. I recognise the importance of dialogue with business associations and trade partnerships. I have already met a number of business associations in Northern Ireland. I and my NIO Ministerial colleagues will be trying to meet as many local associations over the coming months as I continue my engagements with the business community across Northern Ireland.