Robin Newton MBE MLA

ROBIN Newton, East Belfast DUP MLA, has reflected on the recent visits by a large number of Israeli visitors to Northern Ireland, and expressed a hope that the friendships made at this time can blossom for the benefit of both into the future. Robin Newton said,

“The recent visits to Northern Ireland by large numbers from the Jewish community in Great Britain and from Israel itself for various football fixtures serve to remind of how sport can play its part as an economic generator, and act as the basis from which long term relationships can be developed for mutual benefit of both sides.

I had the privilege of meeting many of these visitors, all of whom were extremely impressed by how they were received and from what Northern Ireland had to offer. Many were from a professional background and took note of all the positive factors we have to offer.

Local companies are constantly urged to invest in Research and Development and embrace innovative approaches to build their markets. The Israelis are world leaders in this field; therefore a fantastic opportunity presents itself if we can take the interaction to the next level.

I will be working to build on these new relationships by exploring ways that this can be translated into economic co-operation, and perhaps how innovative local companies can do business with their Israeli counterparts.

It is through such partnerships that Northern Ireland will prosper in the years ahead, and transform the economic prospects of everyone in the community.”