Northern Ireland’s economic recovery will be driven by innovation, investment and a skilled workforce. That was the message from the Economy Minister Diane Dodds as she launched the Economic Recovery Action Plan which sets out a road map to rebuilding the economy from the impact of the pandemic.
The Minister said: “As we move slowly back to normality, we must put all our efforts into restarting, repairing and rebuilding our economy. We must encourage businesses to innovate and lead and we must support workers to prepare for new opportunities.
“My Economic Recovery Action Plan is the blueprint to rebuild a stronger economy in Northern Ireland. We will focus on where we have the greatest opportunity to drive innovation and develop the skills and capability of our workforce to secure better jobs.”
The report identifies supporting a highly-skilled workforce, stimulating research and development, building a greener economy and promoting investment, trade and exports as the drivers to recovery.
It also identifies a number of actions the Department plans to take to stimulate growth. These include:
- The development of a flexible skills fund
- Widening access to apprenticeships by removing the age cap
- Developing proposals to implement a Northern Ireland artificial intelligence centre of excellence
- Delivering the High Street Stimulus Scheme
- Delivering a Tourism Voucher Scheme to stimulate demand
The Minister continued: “Throughout this pandemic I have done, and will continue to do, everything in my power to protect jobs and livelihoods.
“The discovery of a vaccine is a game-changer, however, allowing us to look beyond the current restrictions and plan for recovery. The Recovery Action Plan sets out a suite of decisive actions that will further the rebuilding agenda.
“Going forward our message must be clear — Northern Ireland is once again open for business, open for investment and open for visitors.”
The Economic Recovery Action Plan has been welcomed by leaders from the business, tourism and hospitality, and skills sectors.
Dr Bryan Keating, Chair of the Department’s Strategic Advisory Forum, said: “The Department’s Economic Recovery Plan is a significant piece of work which, I believe, will allow businesses to plan for the future. I also can see how the plan, when successfully executed, will allow young people a welcome opportunity to join the workforce and older employees or those currently out of work to either enhance their careers or restart them.”
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