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Sir Reg Empey Shows His Support To Export

The Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Sir Reg Empey has been appointed as a Vice President to The Institute of Export.

Sir Reg joins the Institute having spent three years as the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Investment for the Northern Ireland Executive. He has been involved in trade through political activities and throughout his business career and brings a wealth of experience in Northern Ireland export to the role.
His appointment to the Institute comes at a time when the organisation is focused on improving the training opportunities and the quality and capability of trade advisors throughout the UK. Although Sir Reg’s role will be an honorary one, he has already leant his support to The Institute’s Young International Trade programme, which encourages students, aged 14 to 16, to understand the direct relevance between international business and their future careers.

Sir Reg said: “For many years I have been a strong supporter of the Institute’s work here in Northern Ireland. During my time as Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Investment I came to particularly appreciate the Institute’s efforts with regard to the training of trade advisors throughout the UK. Such training is clearly a highly important component of Northern Ireland’s export strategy for the future.

“As a former DETI minister I am fully aware of how important our devolved institutions are in terms of growing our economy. Only with a government of our own can Northern Ireland’s export market expect the proper support and strategic direction it requires.

Chairman of the Institute, Andy Nemes, is delighted to welcome Sir Reg on board. “With Sir Reg’s 30 years in politics and his involvement in Northern Ireland trade, this appointment is great news for The Institute. Our representatives in Northern Ireland continue to be very active and Sir Reg’s support will strengthen our position in export in the country. It gives us great pleasure to welcome him to the team.”