Government Chief Whip Tom Kitt is visiting Co Down today as part of efforts to promote closer economic ties with the region.
Mr Kitt will visit Kilkeel, Co Down, and learn about enterprise and business in the area, and meet local councillors, MLAs and MPs.
The chief whip said there was great potential in the area for closer links and said the Government is "determined to embrace all the potential for collaboration that our new political landscape makes possible".
"In fact, our Programme for Government commits us to supporting the construction of a bridge at Narrow Water, which will contribute greatly to boosting tourism throughout the region," he said.