Archibald visits Boston to promote investment and trade

Pictured (L-R) are Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Andrea Haughian, Head of Amercia's at Invest NI

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is in Boston to promote the North-West as a leading location for investment and international trade.

The Minister will deliver keynote speeches at the Golden Bridges Conference and at an Invest NI US Business Leaders Breakfast to highlight the strengths of the North-West as a place to invest, visit, study and conduct business. She will also engage with US investors, business leaders and potential investors.  

Speaking from Boston on the first day of her visit, Minister Archibald said: “The United States remains one of our most important sources of inward investment with almost 300 US-owned businesses employing 32,000 people across the north. This includes leading firms such as Allstate and Seagate which have a presence in the North West.

“During my visit, I will showcase the North-West as an attractive, competitive and strategic location for US businesses.  

“With dual-market access, expertise in a number of areas, a highly skilled and committed workforce, along with our innovative and resilient business culture, it is clear to see why so many investors go on to re-invest here, demonstrating confidence in our economy.

“There is so much positive economic news in the North-West, with recent investments, the expansion of Magee, the growth of the City of Derry airport and Invest NI’s new regional focus.  I am delighted to take that message to the business community in Boston.”

In addition, at a Tourism Ireland event, the Minister will meet with leading American travel industry representatives to promote the north as a ‘must see’ destination for American visitors to Ireland. The Minister added: “The United States is an extremely important market for our tourism sector and I am determined to continue to grow American visitor numbers to the north in the years ahead.”

The Minister will also participate in a green economy roundtable discussion with US industry leaders to discuss decarbonisation initiatives and the importance of collaboration between government, business and academia.

Andrea Haughian, Head of America’s at Invest NI said: “US companies play a vital role in Northern Ireland’s economy, investing in key sectors such as financial services, cybersecurity, technology and advanced manufacturing. My team here is working hard to identify US firms looking to establish or expand operations and introduce them to Northern Ireland as a potential location.

“The US market also offers real opportunity for Northern Ireland businesses. Over fifty NI businesses have now expanded into the US, and NI exports to the Americas are currently worth £2.1m. We can help even more local companies identify trade partners and US supply chain opportunities.”