Northern Leaders Conclude US Trip With DeNapoli And Bloomberg Meetings

Northern First Minister Peter Robinson MP MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA concluded their highly successful U.S. visit last Thursday with a meeting with New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Robinson said: "Over the course of the last four days we have been welcomed by some of the most powerful and influential people in America, all of whom have expressed a keen interest in the opportunities that Northern Ireland has to offer.

"I am confident that our presence here this week will lead to more US based companies taking up those opportunities."

Mr McGuinness said: "I am very encouraged by what we have heard during the course of our visit.

"There is tremedous support amongst corporate America for what we are trying to achieve with our economy at home.

"Time after time this week we have been granted access to some of the most important people in the American business world.

"Despite the difficult economic climate I leave the United States very hopeful for the future."

Comptroller DiNapoli agreed with the two leaders saying: "Northern Ireland represents a unique opportunity for the Common Retirement Fund to make a profitable investment in an emerging economy while at the same time supporting sustainable projects in communities that were severely impacted during years of conflict

"We have been actively researching opportunities and look forward to being part of what we see as an incredible growth opportunity," he concluded.

The two Northern leaders also paid a courtesy visit to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg at City Hall.