US-Irish 'partnership for the ages' delivers transatlantic benefits

President Biden’s words from his historic trip to Ireland last year are more relevant than ever. Throughout 2024, we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of US-Irish diplomatic relations — a “partnership for the ages” built on shared values that brought unprecedented prosperity to both sides of the Atlantic. We will take inspiration from the past, assess the present, and open the door to new ways to strengthen our bilateral relationship in the future.

Henry Ford opened a manufacturing plant in Cork in 1917 down the road from his family homestead of Ballinascarthy. I wonder if he could have imagined the inventors and builders who would stand on his shoulders. Fast forward to today: American companies are marking their 25th, 50th, and even 60th anniversaries of doing business in Ireland.

These U.S. companies are global leaders in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, digital, and emerging technology sectors. They are here because Ireland offers many advantages as a foreign direct investment destination, including talent, ease of doing business, and rule of law.

The United States has a committed partner in Ireland — in both the private sector and in the Irish government — when it comes to our shared economic security and prosperity. We work together with Ireland to develop vibrant technology and innovation ecosystems, which protect cyber security, grow the digital economy, promote emerging technology, and build resilient supply chains that are critical to our economic security. As we celebrate 100 years of partnership, we also look forward to a shared future of strengthening energy security and diversity, combatting climate change, and advancing economic opportunity for underrepresented members of our communities.

It is our shared responsibility to champion diversity in leadership, as not just a moral imperative, but as a strategic necessity. I am delighted that among AmCham’s team leaders are many women who are succeeding at the top of their industries on the global stage. I commend AmCham Ireland for being an advocate across the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility spectrum by joining the US Department of Commerce’s Empower Her Program.

Today, our bilateral relationship is also characterized by the growing footprint of Irish companies that have invested in the United States. Irish entrepreneurs are following Irish stalwarts, such as the Ardagh Group, CRH, Glanbia, and the Kerry Group, to set up operations across all 50 states. It may surprise you that many smaller Irish companies have recently made large investments and created hundreds of jobs in Alabama, Arkansas, and Colorado.

These projects are driven by the opportunity to benefit from a strong and growing U.S. economy, the ability to reach one of the largest markets in the world, and to use their American base to export to new markets.

This year, I will lead another Irish delegation to the SelectUSA Summit in June. SelectUSA is a one-stop shop for companies looking to invest in the United States – the best market in the world. We welcome all Irish companies that are interested in learning about major initiatives to support business innovation and expansion, including the Chips Act for companies in the semiconductor ecosystem and the Inflation Reduction Act supporting companies in the cleantech sector.

Commenting on President Biden’s investment agenda, U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the United States is “sending a clear signal to the world that we are serious about bolstering our national security, rebuilding America’s manufacturing industry, and leading the world in technology and innovation.” Join us!

If you are an American company that has chosen Ireland as a gateway to Europe, the Embassy team can support your export of products, technologies, and services into Europe and beyond. We want you to succeed, and we have teams and industry expertise ready to assist you. Reach out to the Commercial Team at the Embassy at Office.Dublin@trade.gov so we can help you grow jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.

While the extraordinary two-way trade and investment relationship, now worth $1 trillion, are the pillars of our economic relationship, it is just the tip of the iceberg. Every year, hundreds of thousands of our citizens crisscross the Atlantic for tourism, and in 2024, we expect travel between the United States and Ireland to reach pre-pandemic levels. With the introduction of new routes and a new airline, you can expect easier, faster travel.

This year, to honor the centenary of US and Irish diplomatic relations, I will be hosting the Le Chéile 100 series fireside chats, conversations with thought leaders from government, business, sports, culture, and civil society to explore the deep connection between the United States and Ireland, how it has shaped our world views, and what they see for the future of the relationship.

I look forward to engaging with the American and Irish business community to reflect on the last 100 years and to explore the opportunities to strengthen and grow our remarkable bilateral relationship and friendship through the next century and beyond.