International Business

Northern Ireland’s Economic Future Looks Bright: Peace has created Northern Ireland’s best economic prospects in decades, the province’s Industrial Development Board said. Almost a year after rival guerrillas proclaimed a cease-fire in their 25-year-old war, the government development agency said it is planning for a steep rise in investment and jobs. It believes foreign confidence in trading with Northern Ireland will also create more employment in local industries. John McGuckian, IDB chairman, launching a three-year corporate strategy in Belfast, said a halt to the violence has given Northern Ireland “the best springboard in a generation to move ahead into a more prosperous future.”