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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.
Pictured at the Diaspora Project launch are, from left, co-ordinator, Aeidín McCarter; Dermot Harrigan and Matt Peachy of Derry City Council; Martin Fraser, Department of the Taoiseach and Garry Martin, Donegal County Council. 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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