Joe Kennedy leads u.s. trade delegation on visit to North West

The US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs Joe Kennedy III has fast been making his mark since being appointed to the post by President Biden earlier this year.

Mr Kennedy has become a familiar face in Northern Ireland in recent months, making multiple trips to the region and meeting business leaders, elected representatives, community groups and students.

Promising that he would bring a senior US business delegation to NI, Mr Kennedy spearheaded a group of around 40 senior business leaders who arrived in Belfast in late October and spent a week here.

Chamber was thrilled to meet the senior group when they visited the North West and spent a day taking in our city’s famous sights including a trip to the Tower Museum to learn about our famous Derry Girls, and also making time to meet business leaders at an event in the Guildhall hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

Chamber’s Chief Executive Anna Doherty joined the group at the Guildhall event: “It was fantastic to meet Mr Kennedy and the senior US business representatives that joined him on this special visit to Derry. Chamber has been relentless this year in talking about our potential and the need for greater investment in a bid to balance the regional economy. We have a workforce that is both talented and highly skilled, including a pipeline of qualified students emerging from North West Regional College and Ulster University. The hub we have created here is thriving. We have hugely benefitted here from US companies like Seagate and Allstate and we hope those business leaders who took the time to visit, recognise what a strong proposition the North West is for any business.”

Head of the Civil Service, Jayne Brady said: “The recent visit by the Senior US Business delegation, led by US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy III, was a great success and really helped to showcase what makes Northern Ireland a compelling investment proposition for US investors.

“It was clear from talking to members of the delegation how impressed they were with our flourishing entrepreneurial ecosystem, our young talented workforce and our expertise in research and innovation.

“During their visit, the delegation had the opportunity to visit the North West and experience key tourism sites including the stunning Peace Bridge, historic city walls and fantastic Derry Girls mural.

“They also had very positive discussions with local businesses in areas such as Fintech, Digital and Creative, Advanced Manufacturing and Life and Health Sciences.

“I want to thank everyone involved, from industry and tourism, to our universities and local government for their significant efforts in hosting the delegation and shining a light on the best of what we have to offer. We must keep the momentum going, continue to build relationships and create a legacy with real benefits for people here.”