Economy Minister Simon Hamilton MLA has said Northern Ireland must become more forward thinking and outward looking as it looks to seize the opportunities presented by the UK exiting the European Union.

The Minister has said he intends to develop a new International Trade Plan and to set up a new Air Routes Task Force for Northern Ireland.

The International Trade Plan will include:

• a new Trade Advisory Board drawing together some of our best business leaders to provide assistance to the Minister and Invest NI as they look to the world for new trade links;
• the appointment of Northern Ireland Trade Ambassadors, utilising the untapped power of our diaspora to assist us in our efforts to open up new opportunities, especially in emerging markets;
• the expansion of Invest NI's international presence in up to 10 more locations around the world by the end of next year; and
• the creation of new trade, investment and innovation hubs in key global markets.

Commenting, Simon Hamilton said: “We must too aspire to become an outward looking region that trades with the world. We must bring the exact same focus to expanding our exports as we have to attracting inward investment. If we are to seize the opportunities that this exciting new era that the United Kingdom is entering presents, then Northern Ireland must become more forward thinking and outward looking. And that means, in no small part, a renewed and redoubled emphasis on international trade.”

The Minister added: “By concentrating on developing new trade opportunities we are building on solid foundations. Northern Ireland was the only part of our United Kingdom to increase exports last year. Our companies produce high quality goods that can compete with the best anywhere in the world. It's my job to help open doors for our local firms in existing and emerging markets. I am determined to work side by side with local industry as we make Northern Ireland a confident, outward looking trading nation.”