Economy & International Affairs

ROLE OF THE NETWORK

Democratic Scrutiny of NI Economic Strategy (and related strategies), national & international funding policies & programmes and Councils input into same.

Regional council input into economic, tourism, rural development and international affairs issues.

Regional council input into the delivery of local skills, growth and jobs.

Monitoring Local Government representation in and benefit from Europe and international organisations, and oversight of member representation on relevant outside bodies.

EU Exit as it impacts on councils.

Oversight of opportunities presented by Sister Cities, Commonwealth, North -South /East- West and international partners.

PRIORITY ISSUES

Economy

• Post-EU Exit funding (UK Shared Prosperity Fund / Peace Plus programme / Rural Development funding)
• Supporting business growth
• Education, Employment & Skills – determining councils’ role
• Future proofing the economy (Post- Covid recovery, economic inactivity, skills, innovation, knowledge economy & artificial intelligence)
• City & Growth Deals
• EU Exit implications
• Rural & Urban Regeneration –vibrant villages, towns & cities
• Digital connectivity (Broadband, 5G, Full Fibre NI)
• Sustaining Tourism Growth
• Entrepreneurship – culture, workspace challenges, social enterprise, access to finance

International Affairs

• Trade Opportunities further afield – EU / USA / China / Commonwealth
• Collaboration with government departments, Invest NI and InterTradeIreland
• North – South – East – West relations
• Maintaining European links through the Committee of the Regions

Programme to be finalised February 2021. 

Strategic Partners: DTNI, EER, ENI, FSB, UFU, CLES and SENI.

Key Ministers: Economy, Agriculture, Infrastructure and International Relations. 

Linked Bodies: SOLACE, CoR, Congress, SEUPB, UK Forum (LGA, COSLA and WLGA), AILG and SIB..