A new venture centre aimed at helping Northern Ireland high-tech companies expand their business to the United States has been opened in Boston by Sir Reg Empey, the North's Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

Sir Reg, who is leading a five-strong delegation of cross-party politicians from the North on a trade mission to the US this week, said the centre would provide advice and office space for established companies that want a base from which to expand into the US.

The Technology and Development centre, the first to be established by Northern Ireland's Industrial Development Board, has already signed up its first two tenants: Amtec Medical and text-HELP.

Speaking at the official opening of the centre which is located in the heart of Boston's business district, Sir Reg said only companies which demonstrated potential for rapid growth would be considered as tenants.

"This gives smaller IT and high-tech firms the opportunity to expand into the US market without incurring a huge financial outlay at the start.

"I believe that if companies can demonstrate to potential customers and suppliers that they have a physical presence in the US market, it will help them win new business and show they are committed to this market," Sir Reg told The Irish Times yesterday.

During his visit to the US, the Minister is also planning to meet senior executives from Bombardier, Nortel Networks and Raytheon Corporation.

Both Bombardier and Nortel have shed staff in Northern Ireland during the past year and Sir Reg said he hoped to discuss the current employment situation with both companies.

"I am here to send out a message to new investors about Northern Ireland but also to reinforce our support for existing investors and I would hope to try, if possible, to reduce the number of redundancies which are planned at Bombardier in Belfast," Sir Reg said from Boston.