US 'Still Backing Irish Businesses'

Further business opportunities are set to flow from the USA with news that the Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have been able to review progress and to explore future potential at a meeting with the US Special Economic Envoy, Declan Kelly.

While the Irish Republic's ability to attract international investment has also been separately praised, Mr Kelly said he has been tasked by US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton to foster trade and investment links between the US and Northern Ireland and to assist the Stormont Executive in attracting greater business opportunities.

Both Ministers welcomed the opportunity to meet Mr Kelly again and, speaking after the meeting Mr Robinson said: "In a period of economic austerity and future uncertainty it is more important than ever that we use all available channels to attract inward investment and help grow the economy."

He said that major companies such as the New York Stock Exchange, HBO and Citigate have put their faith in the Northern Ireland workforce and demonstrated that this is an attractive place to invest.

"We look forward to further opportunities and I commend Declan for his ongoing commitment and for his efforts in furthering opportunities for local companies in the US," the DUP leader said.

Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness was equally positive and said: "Over many years successive American administrations have assisted us in our efforts to find true and lasting peace and the Obama administration is continuing this work in helping to support a greater economic future in this post conflict era.

"We have a highly educated, skilled and dedicated workforce and have proved that we are a top class business location.

"I have no doubt that further opportunities exist, particularly in the financial and telecommunications sectors, and it is incumbent on us to work closely with Declan to lay the foundations for a prosperous and sustainable future."

The visit came against a background of positive investment comments from across the Irish border.

Despite the ongoing political turmoil, former Fianna Fail leader Brian Cowen has claimed Ireland's ability to attract foreign direct investment is "undiminished".

Taoiseach Brian Cowen made the comments on Monday morning at a special event in the Department of Foreign Affairs, involving the President of the United States Chamber of Commerce, Tom Donohue.

Mr Cowen said that the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) in Ireland had created 11,000 jobs last year "in the face of tough international competition".

Noting that many of those jobs were created as a result of direct investment from the United States Mr Cowen said: "The United States is our largest merchandise and services trading partner - with a combined value of over €50 billion a year - and latest figures indicate that exports from Ireland to the United States last year were up almost 8% on the year before."

Mr Donohue advised that he had travelled to Ireland to reaffirm the American business community's commitment to Ireland as a vitally important investment and trading partner and to express his "optimism that the Irish and American economies are making real progress".

He reflected on the strong economic ties between Ireland and the US and noted that "as each of our countries struggle to repair and grow our own economies, we must never forget that our destinies are tied together" and outlined the resilience that the Irish economy has shown in difficult circumstances.

"The Irish economy is based on the resourcefulness, intelligence, and grit of the Irish people, who are well educated and industrious," he said and noted that "the American business community still sees Ireland as a good place to invest".

Gerard Kilcommins, President of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, said that Ireland has been hugely successful in attracting US businesses into Europe by supporting the establishment of international operations in Ireland.

He reiterated that industry, along with the Irish government and its agencies, is committed to reinforcing and reassuring international markets that Ireland remains a vibrant economy with many opportunities.

See: Eire's Attraction For Investment 'Undiminished

(BMcC/GK)