He was speaking after hosting a visit by the Enterprise Minister Gordon Lyons to Coleraine where he met with local firms including Maine Surface Finishing and Benson's. Local MP Gregory Campbell was also in attendance.
Commenting afterwards he said, "I was pleased to bring the Economy Minister to the Causeway Coast and Glens. Whilst some others talk we have been focused on taking action to boost our economy. It was a very useful opportunity for local businesses to engage directly with the Minister and he pledged to bring back a response on issues raised.
We also discussed the Enterprise Zone which continues to be a huge opportunity for both this area and Northern Ireland as a whole. The tax incentives provided and secure high speed access across the Atlantic are opportunities which must receive further promotion. To date I feel this has not been fully maximised by Invest NI. Too often the Enterprise Zone is viewed as local to the Causeway Coast and Glens area when it should be viewed in a Northern Ireland wide context.
There are a total of 44 acres available for investment within the Enterprise Zone and I will continue to work to promote and utilise this area fully. The better use of the Zone is one of the key reasons why I took the opportunity some time ago to invite the Minister to come to the area and see it first-hand.
Alongside the innovation and plans of local companies, this Enterprise Zone can bring a much needed boost to the local economy and provide much-needed additional jobs."