10/03/2014

First Ministers Begin US Trade Mission

Northern Ireland's First Minister and deputy First Minister have begun a business mission to the US this week.

The Ministers' five-day visit to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington will involve meetings with existing and potential investors and political leaders.

First Minister Peter Robinson said: "The Northern Ireland Executive has put the development of the economy at the heart of our Programme for Government. Engaging with the United States is a vital element of the economic and political development of Northern Ireland.

"The United States is the number one source of foreign direct investment into Northern Ireland with 165 US-owned businesses and over 18,000 employees. The United States is also significant to our export market, which in 2012/13 exported £534m to the United States."

The deputy First Minister said: "Over the last five years, US owned companies generated over 4,300 jobs, resulting in £137m of salaries and investment in Research &Development of £100m.

"Foreign Direct Investment brings many benefits creating new jobs and helping to boost economic growth. It also generates additional opportunities within the local supply chain and leads to the expansion and growth of many home-grown businesses."

Current US investors in Northern Ireland include, Allstate, Caterpillar, Chicago Mercantile, Citi, Seagate, Terex and B/E Aerospace, New York Stock Exchange and Stream.

(IT)

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