Minister Burke leads largest-ever Irish SelectUSA delegation

With 87 Irish companies spanning nine sectors, from life sciences and technology to high-tech construction and climate tech, the delegation underscores Ireland's deepening partnership with the United States and the ambition of Irish enterprise to grow, invest, and create jobs across America.

SelectUSA is the U.S. government program led by the U.S. Department of Commerce that focuses on facilitating job-creating business investment into the United States and raising awareness of the critical role that economic development plays in the U.S. economy. Ireland and the United States enjoy a significant and mutually beneficial economic relationship. The economic benefits flow both ways, creating prosperity and jobs for large numbers of people on both sides of the Atlantic. The United States continues to be Ireland’s largest trading and investment partner, and Ireland is the fifth largest source of foreign direct investment into the US, with more than 200,000 people employed directly by 770 Irish companies across all 50 States. On a per capita basis, Ireland is the single largest investor in the U.S. of any nation in the world.

As part of the conference, Minister Burke, Ireland's Ambassador to the United States Geraldine Byrne Nason, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Ed Walsh, Enterprise Ireland CEO Jenny Melia and the delegation met with Governor Spencer Cox (R-Utah), Governor Wes Moore (D-Maryland), Governor Josh Stein (D-North Carolina) and United States Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service David L. Fogel. On the same visit, Minister Burke also signed the Artemis Accords, affirming Ireland’s commitment to a shared framework for peaceful, transparent, and responsible space exploration, particularly in relation to activities on the Moon and other celestial bodies.

Leading the mission, Minister Burke said: "The U.S. is one of Ireland's most important economic partners, and the scale and quality of our delegation is a clear statement of intent. Ireland has earned its place as one of the largest foreign investors in the United States through decades of investment, partnership and delivery. The Irish companies at SelectUSA are either expanding existing operations, or entering the U.S. for the very first time, but they all share in common the talent, innovation and long-term ambition that have always defined Irish enterprise. I am proud to lead this record delegation and to demonstrate that Irish companies are committed, valuable and long-term partners for American growth."