Our strategy
We were established
under the terms of the 1998 Belfast Agreement, as the all-island Trade &
Business Development Body, with the remit to 'exchange information and
co-ordinate work on trade, business development and related matters, in areas
where the two administrations specifically agree it would be in their mutual
interest'.
Over the years, our strategy has evolved to meet and translate our legislative remit to enhance North/South business co-operation, delivering mutual economic benefits to Northern Ireland and Ireland. We have achieved this through targeted business and economic research, engagement with the business and policy communities North and South, and evidence-based programme design, implementation, evaluation and review.
Our early work addressed a knowledge gap which was inhibiting trade and business development linkages between Ireland and Northern Ireland. This was addressed primarily through the development of 'networks of trust' between the business communities North and South. More recently we identified, and acted upon, the importance of co-operation through more formal business networks as a key source of knowledge diffusion, competitive advantage and increased trade.
Our vision
Our Vision is of a globally competitive enterprise environment in which Ireland and Northern Ireland co-operate to ensure the optimal utilisation of economic resources, particularly knowledge resources, to drive additional trade and wealth creation.
Our mission
To identify and help realise opportunities to improve competitiveness, generate economic growth and create sustainable, quality jobs in both jurisdictions through increased levels of North/South trade and co-operation on innovation and business development opportunities.
Our value proposition
Our value proposition for the business community is to deliver benefits in the key areas of competitive advantage – science, technology & innovation, and sales and marketing.