The Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen TD, is in New York this morning leading a trade mission for over 100 Irish exporters and their US counterparts in New York. He is attending an Enterprise Ireland event in Manhattan, where he is expected announce contracts worth 150 million dollars between US and Irish companies.
Later in the day, at a US-Ireland Council event hosted by Tourism Ireland, he will brief business leaders on the Government's strategy to tackle the challenges of a contracting global economy and to encourage further investment into Ireland. He will place a particular emphasis on promotion of Irish tourism in the valuable US market.
The Taoiseach said:
"This major trade mission to the United States reflects the scope and talent of Irish indigenous companies across a range of industrial and educational sectors.
I am determined that Irish companies will be given every support to grow their businesses at home and here in the United States.
Ireland is now the 10th largest investor in the United States, showing that overseas investment and job creation is now very much a two way flow."
Tonight, the Taoiseach will speak at the annual American Ireland Fund St Patrick's Day celebration in Washington. It is expected to be attended by leading figures in Washington, including Vice President Joe Biden.
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