Minister for Foreign Affairs welcomes the publication of SDLP proposals for enhanced North/South co-operation

"I welcome this important document. It represents a positive contribution to the agenda of North/South co-operation and the development of the all-island economy.

I have given this area a high priority and will be closely examining the SDLP proposals on how we might take this process further. As I have always emphasised this is a win-win for everyone on the island.

The Secretary of State and I have recently announced a comprehensive study to identify new opportunities for economic co-operation which can deliver mutual benefits for North and South. We will look at areas such as R&D, skills, competitiveness, and trade and investment promotion. The Government is focussed on developing North/South co-operation across a full spectrum of areas.

The all-island dimension will be a strategic theme of the new National Development Plan (NDP), setting out a blueprint for investment for the 7 year period 2007 to 2013. In preparing proposals for the new NDP, Government Departments have been asked to include ideas on enhanced North/South co-operation."

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13 February 2006