THE US economic slump will not threaten investment in Northern Ireland, First Minister Ian Paisley told the Assembly yesterday.
Dr Paisley, commenting on the upcoming US investment conference in Belfast, told the Assembly: "I believe Northern Ireland represents an excellent opportunity for US companies to come here because during the periods of economic volatility companies will be looking for new markets where they can invest.
"There is a high level of interest being shown in this conference. We will be significantly above attendance expectations."
About 50 US companies have signed up for the conference, which will also see British prime minister Gordon Brown and taoiseach-designate Brian Cowen in Belfast. The outgoing DUP leader said half of corporate America's profits came from overseas operations and 95 per cent of the world's commerce took place outside the US.
Dr Paisley added recent announcements like the pensions boost and Mr Cowen's promise of more Irish financial services offices in Northern Ireland reflected the North's strong position.