Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has commenced a strategic visit to the United States this week, engaging in a series of high-level meetings designed to bolster trade, investment, and tourism for Northern Ireland.

The visit began in San Francisco, where the Minister and senior Invest NI officials are meeting with prominent US investors, industry networks, and business leaders. A key highlight of the West Coast leg is the official opening of Invest NI's new office in San Francisco, a move intended to enhance the agency's physical presence and influence within the American market.

During her time in the city, Dr Archibald will deliver keynote addresses at an Invest NI business leaders' dinner and a gaming industry lunch held in collaboration with Ulster University and Studio Ulster.

Speaking from San Francisco, Dr Archibald said: "This visit offers an important opportunity to demonstrate the north's strengths as a competitive, innovative and strategically positioned location for US investment.

"The US remains one of our most significant sources of inward investment, with a strong base of US-owned companies operating across the north, including Californian investors such as Seagate, Proofpoint and Imperva. "Dual market access, deep sectoral strengths, a skilled talent base and a resilient business culture all contribute to the north's continued appeal to US investors."

Anne Beggs, Chief Commercial Officer at Invest NI, highlighted the impact of American firms on the local economy, particularly in cybersecurity, technology, financial services, and advanced manufacturing. She noted: "Many of our leading US investors, including Citi and Aflac, continue to reinvest and grow their operations in Northern Ireland, demonstrating confidence in our region. We remain committed to fostering new partnerships, driving investment, and ensuring our economy continues to thrive on the global stage."

The Minister's itinerary will then take her to Los Angeles, where the focus will shift to tourism and the creative industries. She is scheduled to address US media and travel partners at a Tourism Ireland event to promote Northern Ireland as a premier destination for American tourists.

Regarding the tourism push, she stated: "Increasing US visitor numbers is essential to strengthening our tourism economy, and I'm committed to driving that growth."

Additionally, the Minister will collaborate with NI Screen in Los Angeles to showcase the region's world-class screen sector through meetings with major US film and television studios.