Over 100 representatives from corporate USA received a first class welcome.
Hospitality was not wanting; it was appropriate and generous.
They came, they heard a lot about Northern Ireland, they listened to
persuasive presentations and now go back to their corporate base to make
personal assessments of the merits of investment.
In the core business driven session, on Thursday, they listened to up-beat
testimonials from Nortel, Citi Group, Seagate, All-State, Liberty, and
Caterpillar.
The critical brief presentation on financial support, cost comparisons and
taxation fell to Invest NI Director, Jeremy Fitch. His evidence on how
Northern Ireland generated competitive lower operating costs and better
post-tax profits than other places was a c clinching yardstick.
Later Sir Anthony O'Reilly re-opened the argument for Northern Ireland to
have authority to set its own corporation tax rates to further enhance
competitiveness in a speech announcing a major printing press investment in
Newry.
Would a potential investor have been impressed by the overall competence and
professionalism of the presentation of the business case? Undoubtedly!
Hi: 17°C / Lw: 13°C
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Deputy First Minister in Baghdad for peace mission
Thomas Beattie gives birth to healthy baby girl
Iran warns: attack us and we'll strike you back
Swimsuit photo shoot in buildup to Vietnam final
Federer and Nadal set for Centre court final
Mandela honoured with the class of 2008
Supporters that made Euro 2008 one to remember
Fashion of the wives throughout the tournament
Pop princess Minogue wows fans at Odyssey gig
Try your luck in our GAA 'pick the score' competition
Looking forward to the famous biking event
Ship's Belfast beginnings celebrated in exhibition
Applauding Ulster's most exceptional women
Special report on Northern Ireland's worst house fire
Celebrating excellence at the inaugural awards gala 
Special multimedia report on Belfast Wheel