Stephen Farry MLA said: “Strengthening our skills base is the key to transforming our economy. A comprehensive joined-up skills strategy would deliver massive benefits to our economy.
“Such a transformation would help boost the private sector and help address the over-dependence on the public sector. Alliance is leading change having campaigned for a strong skills strategy for a number of years. Alliance is going to publish a skills policy document in the very near future and we will continue to lead on this issue.
“It is also very important that Northern Ireland is afforded a level playing field to compete for new jobs, through a reduced level of corporation tax. A lower rate of corporation tax is vital, but we need ensure we can deliver the skills which meet the needs of potential investors as the top priority. Having the right tax rate does not guarantee investment without the right skills.
“I am also pleased to see the emphasis this plan places on the potential of a Green New Deal. This is another area that Alliance has led on, having had our motion on this issue passed in the Assembly and subsequently had some of our Green New Deal ideas placed in the Executive’s draft Budget.
“This manifesto is a very useful document and its recommendations are particularly important given the tough economic time Northern Ireland faces.”
Alliance Employment Spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA said: “The US Economic Envoy Declan Kelly recently called on local businesses to the lead the way. It’s great to see the business coalition taking the lead on ideas for job creation. This is showing the Northern Ireland Executive what can be done with a strong economic strategy in place.”
ENDS