Northern Ireland Office

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Shaun Woodward has welcomed Sir David Varney’s ‘Review of the Competitiveness of Northern Ireland’, describing it as “…an important roadmap for the Northern Ireland economy which, if followed, will lead to increasing prosperity for business and the wider community”.

Shaun Woodward said: “Sir David’s report identifies the strengths that make Northern Ireland a location of choice for many investors, opportunities that will be highlighted at next week’s investment conference.

“But he also clearly points to the challenges, not least from globalisation and the emergence of China and India, that Northern Ireland is facing.

“To meet those challenges there must be a rebalancing of the economy here with the emphasis on developing a dynamic private sector with new investment opportunities for business.

“Sir David has worked closely with Peter Robinson, Minister of Finance, on how best to open up the public sector and make the economy more productive and competitive.

“With a stable and effective local administration in place committed to delivering greater prosperity for all the people of Northern Ireland, I have no doubt that the potential of a hugely talented and determined people, hungry for success, will be realised.

“The Government will be delivering its response to the Varney Report soon.”