Addressing a gathering of political, business, and academic leaders in Washington DC, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has hailed Northern Ireland's growing reputation as a global hub for investment and talent.

Speaking at the annual Northern Ireland Bureau Breakfast, the deputy First Minister emphasised that the region's scale does not limit its international ambition. She noted that Northern Ireland has become a preferred location for global firms looking to scale ideas and grow their operations.

Currently, more than 1,500 international companies have established a presence in Northern Ireland, with a significant proportion originating from the United States. A key indicator of the region's appeal is that nearly two-thirds of these firms choose to reinvest, citing the unique opportunities available within local cities and communities.

The deputy First Minister said: "Northern Ireland is a place of innovation and talent; and a place where global companies come to invest and to grow and it was great to hear such positive conversations reflecting that within in the room. "Today more than 1,500 international companies have chosen Northern Ireland as their home. Companies from across the globe, many of them American, have made our cities and communities their home. And nearly two-thirds of those companies choose to reinvest as they recognise that we offer something truly unique.

"Entrepreneurs, investors and innovators, come and see for yourselves and experience a place where global companies scale ideas and where talent meets opportunity.

"Northern Ireland may be small, but our ambition is not, our talent is not and our future is just getting started."

The speech also touched upon the deep historical connections between Northern Ireland and the United States, particularly as the US approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Emma Little-Pengelly highlighted the role of Ulster Scots and Scotch-Irish immigrants in shaping early American history and the foundations of the modern nation.

She added: "Northern Ireland is deeply woven into that extraordinary moment in American history. Because among the farmers, merchants, ministers and pioneers who helped shape early America were thousands of immigrants from what is now Northern Ireland — the Ulster Scots / Scotch Irish.

"They helped shape the ideas that would form the foundations of the modern America and when we mark the 250th anniversary, we are not simply marking a moment in American history, we are recognising a shared story.

"Let us deepen the partnership between Northern Ireland and the U.S. and prove that when we work together, there is no limit to what we can achieve."