South-west Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss has said the focus on the A11 Tech Corridor needs to be how to take the project forward.
Ms Truss was speaking at the annual Thetford Business Forum lunch, which recognised the efforts of local authorities involved with the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor.
The project was launched at the houses of parliament last month and aims to attract global technology and engineering companies to the communities in Norfolk, Suffolk and Camrbidgeshire, which sit alongside the A11.
It is believed the corridor could create 9,000 jobs and add £558 million to the regional economy.
The Secretary of State for Justice said: 'How are we going to take this opportunity forward? I think the most important thing is skills. We have the infrastructure in place - we have the A11. We need to make sure the next generation are able to get jobs locally.'
She added: 'We need to make sure this great town is on the map for all the right reasons. You should be proud of the history of this town and the innovation which has taken place.'
The chief executives of South Norfolk Council and Breckland Council, Sandra Dinneen and Anna Graves, and Forest Heath councillor Councillor Lance Stanbury also attended.
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