A blueprint for an all-island economy was unveiled today by the Irish and British governments.
It contains a series of initiatives to strengthen the economy through North and South co-operation.
Dermot Ahern
Pooling resources in overseas trade promotion; mixing skills to support sustained growth; greater collaboration in research and development; and developing a "world-class" infrastructure have been identified as the stimulus to greater cross-Border economic activity.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Peter Hain, believe co-ordinated policies will deliver benefits to citizens and businesses on both sides of the border.
Mr Ahern said the study makes clear the strong economic imperative driving North/South co-operation.
"To be globally competitive we must exploit the opportunities of all-island collaboration.
"To make the knowledge economy a reality in Ireland North and south, the opportunities of cross-border co-operation in R&D should be eagerly grasped," he said.
But Ulster Unionist deputy leader Danny Kennedy descibed the plan as an attempt to transform Northern Ireland into an economic colony of the Irish Republic".
"This document looks like it was written by a Sinn Féin policy officer," Mr Kennedy said.
Sinn Féin economic spokesman Mitchel McLaughlin said the document reflected many of the party's proposals but must be be matched action.
SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell, said unionists had nothing to fear from proposals which could lead to job creation and greater prosperity north of the border.
The two governments, along with business representatives, trade unions and other key stakeholders, will now develop a programme of work in each of the areas identified, as well as seeking further opportunities for co-operation in the education and health sectors.
Mr Hain said the plan "sets out a compelling vision of a strong competitive and socially inclusive island economy ... whose strength and development is not impaired by the existence of a political border."
"This must be our aim if we are to move forward and deliver sustained economic benefits for everyone."
Both ministers said they are looking forward to the plan forming an important part of the work of the power-sharing institutions they expect to be restored next year.
KEYPOINTS
- Pooling resources in overseas trade promotion.
- Promotion of an all-island skills mix to support sustained growth
- Greater collaboration in R&D
- Programme to support Small and Medium Enterprises in maximising the potential for cross-border co-operation under the EU's R&D funds
- A "world-class" infrastructure on the island through co-operation in the planning of transport, energy, telecoms and balanced regional development
Additional reporting PA