Last call to businesses for US trade opportunity

by Gráinne Connolly

Local companies with their sights set on the US market are reminded that this Friday is the deadline to register their interest to take part in two cross-border trade mission trips taking in both Boston and Philadelphia this coming June and November.

The Ireland Northwest Trade Missions are a joint venture between Derry City and 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, 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 B2B meetings, extensive media coverage and subsidised costs.

(Chair of DCSDC and Chair of Donegal County Council at the launch of the 2018 NorthWest trade mission)

The 2018 Ireland Northwest 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 the 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 in November, alongside officers from both Councils as well as representatives from Udaras na nGaeltachta, Invest NI, Donegal Local Enterprise Office, Ulster University, Letterkenny Institute of Technology and the North West Regional College.

The delegation took part in an extensive programme of engagements including conferences, industry visits and networking events. Each company had the chance to form meaningful connections in their relevant sectors, gain an insight into the US market and the opportunities it presents, as well as identify potential customers and distributors.

The trade mission to Philadelphia will take place from June 18-20, 2018 while the Boston delegation will leave on November 13 returning on November 16. Expressions of Interest from those interested in participating should be submitted by the closing date of March 16th 2018.

Participating companies will be supported in their preparation for the mission and throughout the trip by their local authorities, and will directly benefit from the advice on offer from Councils’ Business support teams.

Anyone interested in finding out more information about the Ireland Northwest Trade Missions and to register your interest in either of the destinations can go to www.derrystrabane.com/USAcalling