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Diaspora Project sets sights
on US
18.10.07
THE Diaspora Project
which aims to harness the power of ex-pat Donegal
and Derry high-flyers is to set its sights next on
the US and Britain.
More than a hundred people from Derry and Donegal
attended the recent launch of the project aimed at
establishing a network of individuals, businesses
and agencies with connections to the North West. |
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Project co-oordinator
Aeidín McCarter of Donegal County Council said the
next step was for the Diaspora Project “to reach out
to the UK and the US, as part of efforts to draw in
those who may wish to return home to work, to come
back and set up a business in Derry or Donegal, or
who can influence investment and policy |
decisions which affect
the region".
Among those who addressed the recent launch at
Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel were Pramerica Systems
managing director Henry McGarvey. He gave numerous
examples of how key individuals from the North West,
in their own businesses or professions, had
influenced key investment decisions which benefited
the region.
Derry-born Professor Terri Scott, CEO of the Ryan
Academy for Entrepreneurship at Dublin City
University outlined the positive indicators for
economic growth in this region and the important
role the diaspora could play. She told the meeting
we have a higher proportion of diaspora than other
regions, and that they could act as key influencers
and role models.
Prof. Scott also pointed to factors such as global
connectivity and the desire to “give something back”
to your own county or region.
Ms. McCarter said she hoped the new Diaspora network
could now act as a mechanism to help shape the
future of the North West economy. |
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