Northern Ireland minister sets out offer to Silicon Valley firms

During a four-day visit, Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster met with key business figures and firms in an effort to improve already-strong economic ties between Northern Ireland and the US.

Mrs Foster revealed that over the past eight years, inward investment agency Invest NI has attracted 85 employment-related projects from US companies. This has created almost 6,560 new jobs and safeguarded a further 6,200. More than 460 innovation-led projects have also been secured.

Collectively, said Mrs Foster, these success stories had resulted in almost £1billion of investment commitments from US companies: “These are impressive figures which clearly demonstrate how important our relationship with the US is and that it shall remain one of our most important target markets for future investment.

“My visit here not only shows my commitment to promote economic growth by increasing trade and investment with the US, but it also highlights how both countries are eager to work together to create new opportunities and development partnerships.

“Collaborations are successful if there are mutual benefits that each side can bring to the table. Northern Ireland has much to offer, and we have reinforced the message that it is a dynamic place to do business, with a skilled and well-educated workforce, a strong infrastructure and third-level institutions where the commercial exploitation of R&D and innovation lie at the heart of the economic agenda.”

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