Steven Broomhead claimed the north west's range of businesses - across the manufacturing, digital, creative and science sectors - will insulate it from the full ravages of the recession compared with some southern regions, although he expects continuing job losses in line with the global economic crisis.
He also dismissed calls for his organisation to merge with counterparts in the north, saying energies should be focused on kick-starting the economy.
And he called on Britain's banks to start lending to businesses, saying: "I think it's imperative the banks quickly move from being risk averse to a point where they are happy to provide credit for businesses."
Outlining his blueprint for the next 12 months, he said: "I intend to continue working on physical regeneration over the next year. One of the NWDA's great successes of the past few years has been the development of MediaCity:UK which is due to open in 2010. Senior BBC officials have told me this will continue despite current economic conditions and that will bring benefits.
"In Manchester, the regeneration work around Oxford Road - including the universities, hospitals and the science institutions - will bring tangible benefits in the fullness of time.
"The Capital of Culture year in Liverpool has helped generate more than £800m and there are also massive benefits for the north west from the University of Cumbria development.
"One of the things the NWDA can do better is communicate what we do to business - and I very much hope to remedy that over the next year."
A research group is calling for the NWDA to be merged with Yorkshire Forward and One North East.
Mr Broomhead said: "Businesses want to see action on the ground right now and I don't believe if we become a larger organisation this will happen.
"My job for the next 18 months is to get back to the five per cent growth we've been experiencing here in recent years, and that's what I intend to do.
"I've learned during my career that when organisations focus on their structure, they become very inwardly focused, and at this moment in time we need to be out there ensuring the north west's ongoing prosperity. In other words, a little less conversation and a bit more action."
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