Invest NI 'helped create 7,400 jobs', but missed key target 9 May 2013 Last updated at 13:46 Invest NI has said it helped create 7,400 jobs last year, but was disappointed to miss one of its key targets. Its top executives have been briefing Stormont's enterprise committee. Of the new jobs, 5,000 involved local firms. Invest NI chairman Mark Ennis said "the only downside" was that exports dropped on the previous year. Increasing exports are seen as an important way of growing NI's economy, as is attracting foreign investment. Earlier, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster told the committee she was hopeful of an extension to a programme which allows Invest NI to offer financial incentives to overseas companies. It is due to finish at the end of this year, but she believed it could form part of an economic package being worked on with Westminster. She said it was a vital component in winning job projects for Northern Ireland. "Given the delay in corporation tax, we do need to have some tools in order to attract business," she said.