Ireland INC, an organisation that connects Irish companies across the United States rang the historic New York Stock Exchange bell today, marking the start of the day's trading.
The company is attending the 11th annual Ireland Day at the New York Stock Exchange, where businesses and political leaders gather to discuss Irish US trade issues.
A number of issues were discussed, including the continued expansion of Foreign Direct Investment, as well as how to further two-way financing between Ireland and the United States and factors to help drive business growth for Irish and US companies.
They also discussed furthering the collaboration and partnership between business and political stakeholders.
"Despite the unprecedented challenges of the last few years with Brexit and the global pandemic posing particularly difficult scenarios, Irish businesses have thrived and continue to expand their investment footprint across the United States," said Ian Hyland, President OF Ireland INC.
The NYSE welcomes @Ireland_Inc in celebration of the 11th annual Ireland Day ☘️ https://t.co/xajSXH48HR
— NYSE 🏛 (@NYSE) March 13, 2023
Ireland Day, the only recognised country day at the NYSE, was established to promote Irish business interests globally.
Today's roundtable was chaired by Ian HyIand, President of Ireland INC, who was joined by Congressman Richard Neal, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Joe Kennedy Special Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland along with US and Irish Business & Political Leaders.
Participants at Ireland Day also included Lynn Martin, President NYSE; John Tuttle, Deputy Chair NYSE; Mary Buckley, Interim CEO of IDA Ireland; Irial Finan, Chair Smurfit Kappa; Imelda Hurley, President Ibec; Minister Norma Foley; Helena Nolan, Consul General to New York; John Jordan, CEO Ornua; Caitriona Fottrell, CEO The Ireland Funds; Michael Spellacy, Atlas Crest PLC along with CEO's representing some of Ireland's largest employers across the US including Primark, Intuition and First Derivatives/KX.
Today, there are 950 US companies in Ireland, across a multitude of sectors.
Education Minister Norma Foley, who attended today's event in New York, stressed the importance of such gatherings for fostering dialogue on the two-way economic relationship between Ireland and the United States.
"We all know that US companies have been investing in Ireland since before the foundation of the state," she said.
"Investors are attracted by the strengths that make Ireland globally competitive - our stable economic and political environment; highly educated, youthful workforce; ease of doing business and proven record as a research and development hub," she added.
Meanwhile, Minister Foley pointed out that Ireland's investment stock in the US hit $240 billion in 2020, making Ireland the 9th largest source of foreign direct investment in the US.
"Irish companies support over 100,000 American jobs across all sectors of the US economy, across all 50 states.
"And I know that Irish companies supported by Enterprise Ireland in the US are driving innovation and bringing expertise to a wide range of sectors here," she said speaking in New York.
"The Government will keep a laser-like focus on the key ingredients that make us attractive for investors," she added.
This year's theme for Ireland Day 2023 which is held in the New York Stock Exchange @NYSE is "The Power of Together".#IrelandDay pic.twitter.com/A7LO2KhrKE
— Ireland INC (@Ireland_Inc) March 13, 2023
