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Peace brings business hope
 Doves are released to celebrate a new government |
Just as the promise of permanent peace is breaking on the horizon, so Northern Ireland is seeking to cast its economy in a new light.
Traditional industries, on which it has always relied, such as textiles and farming, are dying off.
They have struggled against the changing nature of world industry, with developing countries taking on more orders.
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Only a handful of once-thriving carpet businesses remain and aerospace giant Short Brothers is now under foreign ownership. Even famous shipyard, Harland and Wolff, is on its last legs.
New technology offers a way forward. But politicians know that it requires training an entire workforce, changing people's outlook of where their skills lie - and vast amounts of inward investment.
 Call centres are starting to provide jobs |
One tactic that has started to be adopted is setting up call centres. These centres have proved successful in the Republic of Ireland, where much of the workforce has retrained.
The IRA ceasefire of 1994 had a direct effect on economic prosperity. Inward investment picked up, big stores moved in and small businesses were encouraged to grow.
The economy even outperformed the rest of the UK in growth and factory output - an impressive boast, considering that political uncertainties have held back growth of private companies.
In Newry, a town which has suffered huge bomb damage over the years, a new �50m shopping centre created hundreds of jobs in companies from both the Republic of Ireland and the UK.
So by the start of this year, the economy was in pretty good shape.
Companies are beginning to lose their fear of setting up or expanding their businesses in Northern Ireland. Only a month ago, telecoms company Nortel Networks announced it was creating 1,800 new jobs in Devon and in Northern Ireland.
Added to that, unemployment - higher than on mainland UK for a long time - has been falling steadily and has hit its lowest level in 25 years.
New world orders
Now, as Northern Ireland stands on the brink of a new era of peace, businesses are sounding as hopeful as politicians.
John Stringer, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, said: "We think that in this new world, we in the business community will be masters of our own destiny.
"Having our own government will also send a clear message to the world that Northern Ireland is intent on doing business."
 The Republic has a reputation for beautiful countryside |
The Republic of Ireland has long been a magnet for holidaymakers seeking green and tranquil landscapes as well as a friendly welcome.
Now the north hopes to share that reputation. Whereas Dublin can boast 10,000 hotel rooms, Belfast has only 1,500 - although that's a three-fold increase in several years.
Business leaders are also working to attract industries in the areas of healthcare, software and electronic commerce.
"We think Northern Ireland is exceptionally well-placed to take advantage of e-commerce both because it doesn't depend on geography and because we have high-quality graduates. The market here is really good for them and for businesses," says Mr Stringer.
And he hopes the province will soak up an overspill of work from south of the border, which he says is starting to see labour shortages.
London money
But it must not be forgotten that Northern Ireland is dependent on Westminster for money. The government even gives industry incentives to create jobs in Northern Ireland.
The Industrial Development Board was charged with attracting inward investment, although it came under fire last month for failing to deliver.
In the past, much government money has tended to focus on the vital issue of defence.
Central funding is being reduced next year and the assembly's new ministers must decide where to make cutbacks.
Cultural change
The Chambers of Commerce say the most that new enterprise minister Sir Reg Empey can do is reallocate priorites.
"He's the right man for the job - he wants to build up entrepreneurial skills and we're pleased about that," says Mr Stringer.
Northern Ireland economy minister John McFall has found a chunk of his responsibility wiped out overnight, as Sir Reg takes up his job.
Sir Reg is upbeat about his plans. In his first day in the job, he said his biggest challenge would be to change the culture of business in Northern Ireland and change the way business was perceived there in the long term.
He said one of his key aims would be to create an entrepreneurial spirit among the younger generation that would help build on the opportunities provided by peace.
"We are now equipped with the tools which will build a successful Northern Ireland economy and I am confident that together with the business community we can create a better future for everyone," he said.
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 | 01 Dec 99 | Northern Ireland |
| Northern Ireland's new era begins |
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| 17 Nov 99 | Northern Ireland |
| Unemployment continues to fall |
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| 29 Jun 99 | UK |
| Prosperity at stake |
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| 24 Nov 99 | Northern Ireland |
| IDB performance under fire |
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| Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce |
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