A report published today suggests that Northern Ireland is the UK region faring best during the recession.
According to business advisors PricewaterhouseCoopers, Northern Ireland's unemployment rate is less than the UK average and considerably lower than the rate in the Republic.
PwC's chief economist Philip McDonagh says even though Northern Ireland's economy could decline by up to 3% this year, it is still expected to perform better than other regions in the UK.
He says that in January figures for unemployment in Northern Ireland was 5%, less than the UK rate and significantly lower that the jobless rate in the Republic.
The report says that the sterling/euro exchange rate continues to make Northern Ireland an attractive destination for inward investment, Irish shoppers and holidaymakers.
Another important factor is the large percentage of the workforce in government jobs, funded by a block grant from Westminster.
