North West Chambers of Commerce suggests that the North's politicians should support the marketing of Donegal, Derry and the Antrim coast as a single product and examine more ways to integrate the region in terms of economic development.

Since our it's launch in 2001, NWCCI has consistently lobbied on behalf of it's constituent members on key issues which directly affect the economic growth of the NW region.

NWCCI provide a clear link between the private sector and central Government on both sides of the border, with the aim of establishing a viable North West Economic Corridor sub-region

Issues central to cross border trade and development have been the focus of NWCCI providing the platform to explore ways to influence central Government's and ensure a climate for change.

Mr Cooney, a former President of Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce and co-founder of NWCCI, made this call at the first in a series of political lunches arranged by Derry Chamber of Commerce in the run up to the general election. It was addressed by the Sinn Fein President and West Belfast MP., Gerry Adams.

Mr. Cooney questioned Mr. Adams about the need for tourism in the North West of the island to be marketed as a single product and for more integration of the region in relation to economic development.

"Extensive research carried out by NWCCI demonstrated there is a strong demand among visitors and those within the industry for Donegal, Derry City and the Antrim Coast to be marketed as a single product," he said. "An integrated cross border tourism strategy for the North West, marketing the region as a single product is the most effective way for the area to realise its full potential."

Mr Adams responded by stating that it was his view and that of his party that Donegal and Derry had a natural affinity and he believed the area should be promoted as a region in the way suggested by NWCCI. His remarks were welcomed by NWCCI Chairman Niall Birthistle who said that an integrated approach to areas such as tourism, transport and communications infrastructure and energy were essential for the North West.

The series of business lunches is being organised by the Londonderry Chamber to provide chamber members with the opportunity to question the four main political parties on their economic and business proposals for the North West. The SDLP leader Mark Durkan will be guest speaker at the next event on the 18^th April in the Tower Hotel.