Strengthing Regional Cohesion in a Global Context
In an increasingly competitive world, there is a need to strengthen
internal cohesion so that the resources of the entire Region
are mobilised in pursuit of widely shared social, economic and
environmental objectives. At the same time, there must be an
emphasis on strengthening the web of external linkages. A region's
'place' in the world is no longer defined by geography, but
by how it relates to, and integrates with, the wider global
environment and economy.
The Regional Development Strategy seeks to strengthen economic
and social cohesion by enhancing external linkages, particularly
with North America and the rest of Europe, and internally
by helping to foster patterns of development which will assist
community cohesion. In doing so, it aims to help raise the
standard of living in Northern Ireland towards broad European
norms and reduce regional and sub-regional disparities. The
objective is to develop a positive profile for Northern Ireland
by harnessing the talents of all the people and its resources.
 Creating
an outward looking Region
The Strategy is designed to encourage the strengthening and
extension of world-wide linkages, particularly by the private
sector, and to facilitate trans-regional development initiatives.
Strengthening the external transport linkages and improving
Northern Ireland's image in the world are vital in helping local
industry to exploit world-wide markets. An improved positioning
of Northern Ireland will boost economic growth and support the
efforts of the tourism sector. The Strategy will help to foster
links with neighbouring areas, capturing the potential benefits
flowing from cross-border and inter-regional co-operation and
enhanced East-West linkages. Fast and efficient accessibility
from Northern Ireland to the continental core of Europe's transport
network is identified as vital to assist future economic growth.
Enhancement of external connectivity through strengthened communications
networks and improved inter-modality, particularly on transport
corridors providing alternatives to traffic bottlenecks especially
in the London-Channel ports area, will help Northern Ireland
to maintain competitiveness.
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