SaltWire's Atlantic regional weather forecast for October 26, 2023 | SaltWireBELFAST - A U.S. business delegation dispatched to Northern Ireland by President Joe Biden talked up opportunities created by the region's bespoke post-Brexit trade arrangements on Thursday, but members acknowledged a political stand-off had sown some doubts.
"I think people have been excited about this. They've had their eyes opened by this trip," U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland Joe Kennedy III, who is leading the delegation of around 50 U.S. executives, told reporters. But a commitment by the New York State pension fund to invest up to $50 million in Northern Ireland businesses was the only major announcement during the trip.
Some of the manufacturing-focussed firms that travelled to Northern Ireland were"intrigued by the unique market access," Stephen Kelly of trade body Manufacturing NI told Reuters after hosting a session with delegates.