COMPANIES in the north west with their sights set on the US market have the opportunity to sign up for two cross-border trade mission trips taking in both Boston and Philadelphia in June and November this year.
The Ireland North West trade missions are a joint venture between Derry City & Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council and are aimed at supporting enterprises in the creative digital technologies, life and health sciences, advanced manufacturing and Engineering sectors which are interested in tapping into new markets.
Those participating in the trade missions will have access to a pre- and post-mission support programme and key economic and government decision makers, and will also benefit from exceptional networking opportunities, tailored meetings, extensive media coverage and subsidised costs.
Building on the strong business network established through extensive cross-border collaboration in recent years in developing cultural, economic and political linkages with the east coast of the USA, the trip will provide the perfect platform for local ventures to showcase their products and services to new markets.
The 2018 Ireland North West trade and investment programme will capitalise on the successes of previous years and has been extended to include a series of events in Philadelphia, which has a strong historic affiliation with Ireland's north west region.
The partner councils have been establishing connections with the state of Pennsylvania and city of Philadelphia, which culminated in three inward visits in 2016/2017, and an outward visit in November 2017 to coincide with last year’s mission to Boston Massachusetts.
Last year 15 local companies made the trip to Boston alongside officers from both councils as well as representatives from Udaras na nGaeltachta, Donegal Local Enterprise Office, Ulster University, Letterkenny Institute of Technology and the North West Regional College.
The trade mission to Philadelphia will take place from June 18-20 while the Boston delegation will leave on November 13, returning on November 16.
Expressions of interest from those interested in participating must be submitted by March 16 to Rosalind Young/Adam Goodall at investment@derrystrabane.com or 02871 253253; or Michael Tunney/Joanne Kilmartin at michael.tunney@leo.donegalcoco.ie or 00353749160735.
