EU ambassadors visit Derry to explore business opportunities in North West
The visit was to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges currently facing the North West economy
PICTURED ABOVE: EU Ambassador to the UK visit to Derry The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairi O’Hara and Deputy Mayor Alderman Niree McMorris with Mr Pedro Serrano, European Union Ambassador to the United Kingdom at a reception in the Guildhall. Included at front is Ambassador Laura Popescu, (Romania). Back, from left are Lisa Hemmer (Political Counsellor at the EU Delegation in London, EU-UK Relations), Ambassador Sven Sakkov, (Estonia), Stephen Gillespie (Director of Business and Culture, Derry City and Strabane District Council), Ambassador Jeroen Cooreman, (Belgium), and Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev, (Bulgaria). (Photos: Lorcan Doherty)
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, welcomed the European Union Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Mr Pedro Serrano, to the Guildhall during an official visit to the city last week.
Ambassador Serrano was joined by a delegation of senior diplomats including Lisa Hemmer, Political Counsellor at the EU Delegation in London (EU–UK Relations), as well as the Ambassadors of Romania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Estonia, and Finland.
The visit formed part of a wider engagement with civic and business leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges currently facing the North West economy. Roundtable discussions at the Guildhall explored issues such as market access, skills development, investment prospects, and how to strengthen business and trade links between the North West City Region and the European Union.
Mr Pedro Serrano, European Union Ambassador to the United Kingdom, centre, and fellow European Ambassadors and Chamber of Commerce members at a reception hosted by the chamber in the Bishop’s Gate Hotel. Included at front, are Andrew Fleming, chamber president, Ambassador Sven Sakkov, (Estonia), Ambassador Jeroen Cooreman, (Belgium), Ambassador Laura Popescu, (Romania), Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev, (Bulgaria) and Anna Doherty, Chamber CEO.
"We have great opportunities for growth and development, but there are also significant challenges facing our region – from trading conditions and supply chains to skills and infrastructure.
Mr Pedro Serrano, European Union Ambassador to the United Kingdom, third from right, and fellow European Ambassadors on the Peace Bridge during a visit to Derry. Included, from left, are Lisa Hemmer (Political Counsellor at the EU Delegation in London, EU-UK Relations), Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev, (Bulgaria), Ambassador Sven Sakkov, (Estonia), Ambassador Laura Popescu, (Romania) and Adam Goodall, Derry City and Strabane District Council Business team.
Council officials attending the meeting included Stephen Gillespie, Director of Business and Culture, Rosalind Young, Investment Manager, and Jennifer Archer from The Executive Office.
Following the roundtable discussions, the delegation took part in a guided walking tour of the historic City Walls, Guildhall, and iconic Peace Bridge, concluding their visit at Ebrington Square to view the wider regeneration of the site.