Irish News

Dublin Chamber partners with Northern Ireland Chamber for joint trade mission to USA and Canada

By Business & Finance
07 March 2023

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. As the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement approaches, both Chambers will promote the advantages of doing business on the shared island of Ireland.


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.

Titled ‘Advantage’, the delegation will 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.”

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. 

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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