![niabt_invest_3 Alastair Hamilton, Chief Executive of Invest NI addresses Business Members and MLAs at today's Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust (NIABT) breakfast briefing](http://niabt.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/niabt_invest_3-150x150.jpg)
With the current gloomy news on the economy, talk of possible job losses and cutbacks to public services, Invest NI’s Chief Executive, Alastair Hamilton sent out a positive and hopeful message today of significant growth in foreign investment to Northern Ireland and a marked increase in job creation.
Recent good news stories such as the investment by the American Banking conglomerate CITI will see the introduction of 501 new jobs. Alasdair was quick to point out that many new investors are attracted by the positive business environment and the skilled workforce available here.
Today’s briefing saw the Long Gallery packed with successful local business representatives, high profile journalists and MLAs including the Chair of the Assembly’s Enterprise Trade and Investment Committee, Alban Maginness MLA.
Today’s presentation was followed by a lively discussion on issues such as the possibility of greater economic cooperation with Europe and the often thorny and controversial subject of corporation tax.
Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust breakfast briefings are held on the second Tuesday of every month. Take a look at the Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust website for more information – niabt.org – or follow them on Twitter.
![niabt_invest_2 Pictured at today's NIABT/Invest NI breakfast briefing are from l-r Mr. William Wright, Wright Group Proprietor/ Director, Mr. Leslie Cree MLA, Mr. Alastair Hamilton Chief Executive of Invest NI and Mr. Alban Maginness MLA and Chairperson of the NI Assembly Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment](http://niabt.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/niabt_invest_2.jpg)
![niabt_invest_1 Business guests at today's NIABT/Invest NI Business breakfast briefing"=](http://niabt.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/niabt_invest_1.jpg)