A US web-based healthcare communications group plans to invest £4.4 million in a new research and development centre in the North which will create 60 jobs in Belfast.

Northern Ireland Economy Minister Arlene Foster will today announce details of the investment boost by NaviNet as the US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton visits the North.

NaviNet describes itself as US’s largest real-time healthcare communications network.

Its decision to set up a new software development centre in Belfast marks the first major expansion for the Boston-based group outside of the US.

The group, which was formed in 1998, delivers a secure online link between more than 800,000 healthcare providers and their patients, industry partners and health insurers.

Brad Waugh, NaviNet’s president and chief executive said its new investment in Northern Ireland comes at a time when healthcare reform is one of the most pressing issues facing the US government and public.

“NaviNet looked at various options and locations for our new RD centre, but as a result of discussions with Invest NI and our recognition of the many attractions of Northern Ireland as a good place to do business, notably the quality of the workforce, we decided to invest here,” Mr Waugh said.

Invest Northern Ireland has offered £944,000 towards the cost of the new US investment project.

Ms Foster said NaviNet’s decision to locate its new R&D centre in Belfast will deliver over £2 million annually in additional salaries.

The Minister also said it “underlines Invest NI’s ability to secure quality investors for the region”.

“The company has ambitious plans to win new business and significantly increase its revenues over the next several years.”