Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson MP, MLA today held a meeting with key business people in Londonderry

The purpose of the meeting was to hear directly the issues facing business in Londonderry and the border areas and the Minister met with representatives from the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, the Londonderry Port and Harbour, Ilex, Rural Generation and Culture Company 2013.

Speaking after the meeting, the Minister said: "The economy is the Executive's top priority and, as a border region, Londonderry faces some unique economic issues. I came here today to discuss the current economic challenges, the impact they are having on businesses in border areas, and to discuss how the Executive can respond."

He continued: "It is also important that our focus remains Northern Ireland wide. There are more than 60,000 businesses outside of Belfast continuing to make a positive contribution to our economy. I want to make sure that we, as an Executive, do what we can to support them.

"The current turmoil in the global financial markets is being driven mainly by sovereign debt concerns and weak growth forecasts and is creating a difficult environment for business. I have had meetings with both our local business leaders and local banks to discuss how we build confidence and promote growth in these challenging times. Today's meeting carried forward that process and I am very encouraged by what I have heard. There is resilience in our local economy and both business leaders and banks tell me that many companies have project plans and ideas that are ready for implementation. Together we need to ensure that they have the confidence they need to take the next step and move forward.

"The Executive will do everything that it can to help. Our own strategy is nearing completion and for my part I will press the Treasury on the Corporation Tax issue and to make sure we continue to have a competitive banking sector able and willing to offer businesses the finance they need."

The Minister concluded his visit with a walk across the Peace Bridge.

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