By Chamber Press Office, 07 March 2023
PRESS RELEASE
Dublin Chamber Partners with Northern Ireland Chamber for Joint Trade Mission to USA and Canada
As 25th anniversary of Good Friday Agreement approaches, both Chambers will promote the advantages of doing business on the shared island of Ireland
Tuesday 7th March 2023: As the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement approaches, Dublin Chamber, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will travel to the USA and Canada on a joint trade mission, ‘Advantage’, to host a series of events and engagements with business figures, political leaders and key stakeholders.
The ‘Advantage’ delegation will travel to Toronto (13-15 March) and Washington (15-17 March) to use renewed focus on the agreement as an opportunity to re-focus international attention on the island of Ireland as a place to trade with and invest in. It will also celebrate the positive impact that the agreement has had on business and prosperity across the island of Ireland, whilst also recognising the specific contribution which business and political leaders in the USA and Canada have made to that.
Stephen O’Leary, Dublin Chamber President said:
“Our joint trade mission to the US is an exciting opportunity for the Dublin and Northern Ireland Chambers of Commerce to showcase the strong, enduring relationship between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and our shared commitment to strengthening economic ties.
“Together, we will demonstrate the vibrancy and innovation of our member companies, showcase the shared island of Ireland as a dynamic and attractive destination to invest in, visit and trade with, and prove the value and impact our Chambers deliver for our members and stakeholders.”
The trip has been timed to coincide with the anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, which has particular significance for Gillian McAuley, President, NI Chamber, who was born in Northern Ireland before emigrating to Canada as a young child and forms part of the ‘Advantage’ delegation:
“The 1998 agreement made returning home to Northern Ireland a possibility for me – it was the catalyst which saw me make the move back in 2001. As a ‘returner’ I’m passionate about this place, its people and potential.
“We are hugely excited about this trip and the doors it will open – it’s about helping to advance and grow our economy by showcasing the unique advantages of doing business here. Over the course of the five-day trip we’re planning to make important connections with stakeholders in both Toronto and Washington D.C.
“In partnership with our colleagues in Dublin Chamber, we have planned a series of high-profile engagements, where together, we’ll showcase the unique benefits of investing here thanks to barrier-free trade on the island, as well as unique access to both the GB market and the EU single market for goods from Northern Ireland. That unique trading position has such exciting potential – businesses want to start harnessing it and as Chambers, we’re here to support their aspirations.”
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Note to editors:
Interview opportunities are available with members of the travelling delegation:
- Stephen O’Leary, President, Dublin Chamber
- Mary Rose Burke, Chief Executive, Dublin Chamber
- Gillian McAuley, President, NI Chamber
- Ann McGregor, Chief Executive, NI Chamber
- Stuart Anderson, Head of Public Affairs, NI Chamber
All bids should be made via the press office to either:
About Dublin Chamber:
Dublin Chamber is the largest chamber of commerce in Ireland with over 1,300 member companies. It is the most representative and broadly-based business group in the Greater Dublin Area, providing representation and networking services. Its policy work focuses on developing the Dublin region’s infrastructure & transport, promoting competitiveness, and improving local governance. Dublin Chamber is also one of the oldest chambers of commerce in the world, tracing its origins back to 1782.