Martina Anderson told the 'Journal': "As has been widely publicised, a number of senior business executives from US companies and other influential figures will be visiting the North this week to explore investment opportunities."

The conference began yesterday at Belfast's BBC Blackstaff Studios, where delegates heard from a variety of existing investors in the North, including Managing Director of Seagate, John Spangler.

Economy Minister Nigel Dodds told delegates at the Belfast event that the Northern Ireland Executive will work to ensure continued economic growth and success in the North.

Meanwhile, Martina Anderson said she felt it was "extremely important" that Derry should not miss out on the opportunity to showcase its facilities and to promote the excellent workforce that is available here.

"I took the initiative to invite a number of the participants in the Belfast Conference to visit Derry and see what we have to offer for themselves.

"I am delighted that a number of them have accepted the invitation to participate in a tour of the attractions that Derry has to offer and to meet with local politicians, developers, business people and community and voluntary representatives in Da Vinci's Hotel on Saturday, May 10," she said.

The delegation will include Tom Di Napoli, New York State Comptroller, Pat Doherty, Director of Investment at the office of the New York Comptroller, Mary Louise Mallet, State Controllers Department and Brian Kazuba, General Counsel to New York City Fund Trustee, Betsy Gotbaum.

The Conference will also be attended by Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness and local politicians.

"There is cross-party support for the commitments in the Programme for Government to eradicate regional disparities; to build prosperity and to tackle disadvantage.

"I am certain that this visit will present a golden opportunity for all those interested in the future economic prosperity of Derry and the North West to act as one in showcasing the region to these very powerful visitors," Ms Anderson added.

"I have contacted a wide range of individuals and organizations from across the economic and political spectrum to outline the potential of this initiative and invite them to come along and take advantage of the opportunity. I look forward to everyone's input and to a fruitful outcome of the engagement."

Backing business

Speaking at yesterday's conference, SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Mark Durkan said that there is a responsibility on politicians to prove that the Assembly is not only back in business but backing business at the US Investment Conference.

"We now have the opportunity to make the most of island-wide economic development... However, we must be realistic about the eventual outcome of a single conference and we cannot put all our eggs in the one basket.