Paul Narain - America’s Man In Belfast Looks To The Future

EyeonInternational Investment

As a career diplomat with 20-plus years under his belt, it’s no surprise that Paul Narain has the easy charm and slick communications skills that you come to expect from those who make a living out of diplomacy.

But, reading between the lines, it’s clear to see that the USA’s latest Consul General in Belfast is relishing his first senior posting and the fact that it’s such an important one. Northern Ireland has been on the radar for successive US administrations the current Biden administration is no different. The President has spoken out on Northern Ireland issues on a number of occasions during his first year in office.

“There is always a keen interest in Northern Ireland and what’s happening here,” Paul Narain says. “The United States played its part in the peace process and in the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, and we remain very committed to the principles of that Agreement. Most importantly, we act as an honest broker committed to the peace process.

“But don’t forget also that there are some 25 million US citizens who have family links to this part of the world as well as the fact that Northern Ireland has the ancestral homes of no less than four US Presidents.

“This might be a relatively small place, but it’s very important to the United States and that will always be the case.”

Paul Narain took up his duties at the US Consulate in Belfast in August of 2021, moving from Stockholm where he was Political & Economic Counselor at the US Embassy in Sweden. His previous postings include the embassies in Pakistan, India, Greece and Azerbaijan. Back in Washington, he has served in the Operations Center (the State Department’s Crisis Management Hub) and on the executive staffs of Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice and Hilary Clinton.

His only previous visit to Belfast was as a Clinton staffer back in 2009 when the US Secretary of State addressed the NI Assembly at Stormont.

“I’ve been a diplomat for just over 20 years and, believe me, there are a lot more suitcases to pack when you’re 45 with a wife and 10-year old daughter than there is when you’re single and 20,” he laughs.

“We’ve loving it here. The hospitality of the people is legendary and it doesn’t disappoint. Then there’s the scenery. But what excites me more than anything else about Northern Ireland is the potential this place has. It’s huge.

“Northern Ireland has a unique position in that it is able to trade with the USA, with the rest of the UK and with Europe. That can’t be over estimated. That’s why so many US companies, particularly in the technology and other sectors, continue to invest here. They can see that potential very clearly.”

It’s a lesser known fact that the US Consulate General in Belfast is the second oldest continuously operating US Consulate in the world. It was established on May 27, 1796, by the first American President George Washington. The oldest US Consulate, surprisingly, is in the Azores.

Originally in Belfast city centre, the Consulate moved to its present home in the original Danesfort House on the Stranmillis Road, once described as one of the city’s finest Victorian mansions, some years ago.

Now that the pandemic is receding, Paul Narain is looking forward to being able to travel more extensively around Northern Ireland. “Absolutely. I’m really looking forward to seeing more places and to meeting more people. It’s an important part of this job. Part of it will always be a learning brief, and that’s particularly important in the early months of taking on the role.”

In economic terms the US contribution to Northern Ireland is considerable. “Half of all foreign direct investment here comes from the US,” says the Consul General. “And in the past couple of years, 2,000 new jobs have been created here by US companies. Northern Ireland’s unique trading position can only help going forward.”

He singles out the cyber security sector. “Northern Ireland has built up an impressive cyber security hub and quite a number of US companies are central to it,” he says. “But there are a number of other sectors which have also been boosted by American investment. There’s no doubt there are exceptional opportunities here, and those opportunities are enhanced by an extraordinary talent pool available to companies coming here.

“It is as good as it seems? I think it’s even better once you take all the factors into consideration,” he adds.

Paul Narain is well aware that the Northern Ireland Protocol, intended as a pragmatic solution to the out workings of Brexit, has become something of a political football. “We’re well aware that there are parts of the protocol that are causing problems and issues for some. But we’re also well aware that the protocol works well for others.

“Practical solutions, surely, are possible so that we can move on, and continue to take advantage of Northern Ireland’s unique trading position. But it also has to work for all of the people of Northern Ireland.”

President Biden has spoken out on the importance of the protocol and successive senior figures from the US have been involved at a practical level in discussions.

“The White House is briefed on developments on a regular basis,” Paul Narain says simply.

Looking forward, the US Consul General talks about his priorities and returns to Northern Ireland’s unique advantages as an investment location. “I will continue to do my best to get that message out there loud and clear,” he says. He also singles out Northern Ireland’s young people for special mention.

“They are what the future here is all about,” he says. “It’s vital that we continue to make the kind of progress that Northern Ireland has made over recent years.”