The British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, who is on a visit to India, has announced that a leading Indian IT firm is to create 600 call centre jobs in Northern Ireland.
The IT giant, HCL, will expand its existing operations in Armagh and Belfast.
Mr Blair confirmed the jobs boost for Northern Ireland during a business awards launch in New Delhi.
The Northern Secretary, Peter Hain, welcomed the news.
Mr Hain said the expansion, supported by Invest Northern Ireland, will create at least 400 new jobs in Armagh, with the balance at Armagh or Belfast depending on operational requirements.
Earlier this year, HCL acquired Armagh-based company Answercall Direct and safeguarded 140 jobs.
