Economy Minister Dr is in Boston to promote
the North-West as a leading location for investment and
international trade.
The Minister will deliver keynote speeches at the Golden Bridges
Conference and at an Invest NI US Business Leaders Breakfast to
highlight the strengths of the North-West as a place to invest,
visit, study and conduct business. She will also engage with US
investors, business leaders and potential investors.
Speaking from Boston on the first day of her visit, Minister
Archibald said: “The United States remains one of our
most important sources of inward investment with almost 300
US-owned businesses employing 32,000 people across the north.
This includes leading firms such as Allstate and Seagate
which have a presence in the North West.
“During my visit, I will showcase the North-West as an
attractive, competitive and strategic location for US
businesses.
“With dual-market access, expertise in a number of areas,
a highly skilled and committed workforce, along with our
innovative and resilient business culture, it is clear to see why
so many investors go on to re-invest here, demonstrating
confidence in our economy.
“There is so much positive economic news in the
North-West, with recent investments, the expansion of Magee, the
growth of the City of Derry airport and Invest NI's new regional
focus. I am delighted to take that message to the business
community in Boston.”
In addition, at a Tourism Ireland event, the Minister will meet
with leading American travel industry representatives to promote
the north as a ‘must see' destination for American visitors to
Ireland. The Minister added: “The United States is an
extremely important market for our tourism sector and I am
determined to continue to grow American visitor numbers to the
north in the years ahead.”
The Minister will also participate in a green economy roundtable
discussion with US industry leaders to discuss decarbonisation
initiatives and the importance of collaboration between
government, business and academia.
Andrea Haughian, Head of America's at Invest NI said: “US
companies play a vital role in Northern Ireland's economy,
investing in key sectors such as financial services,
cybersecurity, technology and advanced manufacturing. My team
here is working hard to identify US firms looking to establish or
expand operations and introduce them to Northern Ireland as a
potential location.
“The US market also offers real opportunity for Northern Ireland
businesses. Over fifty NI businesses have now expanded into the
US, and NI exports to the Americas are currently worth £2.1m. We
can help even more local companies identify trade partners and US
supply chain opportunities.”
