Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has said economic ties between Northern Ireland and the U.S. are vital if we are to realise our full potential as a place to live, work and invest in.
Speaking at the annual NI Bureau Breakfast event in Washington, the deputy First Minister said U.S. companies play a key role in our economy and that it was important to seize the opportunities to work together to supercharge our economy.
She said: “Companies from the U.S. are included in over 1,500 international companies that have already established operations in Northern Ireland; with over 70% of them re-investing, which proves our region works for them.
“These businesses recognise the benefits of investing in a highly skilled workforce, a business-friendly environment, and an ideal geographic location close to key markets.
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“But our message is not only about U.S. companies investing in Northern Ireland. At the start of this week, myself and the First Minister led a delegation of local companies to North Carolina with a message about our local homegrown talent establishing a base here in the U.S.”
The deputy First Minister told those gathered that the NI Executive is also planning for the economy of tomorrow.
She said: “We are investing in skills, infrastructure, and cutting-edge industries to ensure that Northern Ireland is a place where businesses start, scale up and export all over the world.
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“Central to our vision is an economy that is agile, open, outward-looking, and globally competitive.”
The deputy First Minister also took part in an ‘in conversation’ discussion with Marjorie Chorlins, senior vice president for Europe at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, during which she said next year’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence offered a unique opportunity to grow the cultural and heritage links between Northern Ireland and the U.S.
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