10/03/2014

Ministers Begin Business Mission To The US

The First Minister Rt. Hon. Peter D Robinson, MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, MLA, are on a business mission to the United States of America 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 to strengthen business and tourism links with the United States.

The First Minister 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 with165 US owned businesses and over 18,000 employees. The United States is also significant to our export market, which in 2012/13 exported £534 million to the United States.

"I look forward to a very informative and productive visit and I will be availing of every opportunity to attract further investment and increase tourism to Northern Ireland."

The deputy First Minister said: "There is a strong bond between the US and the north of Ireland.

"Over the last five years, US owned companies generated over 4,300 jobs, resulting in £137 million of salaries and investment in Research & Development of £100 million.

"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."

(CD/JP)

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